I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of the NIV Student Bible published by Zondervan Bibles at no cost to me in exchange for an honest review here on the Adonai Shalom USA blog. #BG²

NIV Student Bible Book Review & Description

The NIV Student Bible is intended to help guide young people in deepening their familiarity with and understanding of the Bible. It was just recently published this month by Zondervan Bibles so if you are looking for a new Bible edition to gift to a student, this may fit your needs.

The hardcover edition of the NIV Student Bible features an attractive book jacket. The colors are appealing and the design continues throughout the overall Bible. The use of blues and neutral patterns makes this appropriate for both young men or young women. This Bible includes a yellow satin ribbon for use as a bookmark.

The NIV (New International Version) of the Bible is an accessible translation so it is appropriate that it was the translation chosen for a new student Bible. The New International Version is not my personal favorite, but when used comparatively, it holds its own and is valuable. The NIV translators sought to bring a modern English cadence to the wording which is particularly helpful for younger readers who may be unfamiliar or unready for a more complex cadence.

The NIV Student Bible contains short explanations of key verses and book introductions that will capture the attention of a young person. For example, in the introduction to Hosea, a caption reads, “Tearing God’s Heart” and posits the question: “Why would He love such a woman?”

In the introduction to Habakkuk, the issue of theodicy is introduced (but not mentioned by its technical name). (“Theodicy” refers to the question of why God who is so good permits evil). I wonder whether it may be a disservice to the young student to not at least mention the term, but then again, this is aimed at teenagers who probably don’t need all the technicality yet. The introductions to each book appear to be intentionally kept short and simplistic so as not to overwhelm a young person.

Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford contributed to the notes found throughout this edition of the Bible. While the NIV Student Bible does contain some devotional-like study commentary, it would not be considered a “Study Bible” for most academic purposes. Yancey and Stafford’s writing style is easily understandable and the textual insertions are tastefully done.

The Bible text of the NIV Student Bible is printed using a “Comfort Print” font so it is readable and attractive.

This NIV Student Bible contains very useful information in the back of the book: a “Where to find it” section that includes “100 People You Should Know,” “Glossary of People and Places,” “Well-known Events,” a “LineUp of Rulers,” a “Subject Guide,” and beautiful glossy color maps.

The LineUp of Rulers is so well done I wish I had it in my own personal study Bible! It is an excellent resource that will benefit anyone interested in the history of the kings and chronicles of Scriptures. It is exceedingly helpful for keeping straight the kings of Israel vs. the kings of Judah!

My recommendation:

★★★★★

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I would recommend the NIV Student Bible for high school aged students and possibly young college students. Some of the topics in the glossary may be too mature for middle schoolers.

This is a useful and valuable resource for students today who are wrestling with tough questions and are seeking guidance from the Word of God.

Book details

Title: NIV Student Bible
Publisher: Zondervan Bibles
Release Date: April 4, 2023
Genre: BIBLES/New International Version/Reference

ISBN-13: 978-0-310-46163-0

PURCHASE LINKS:  Amazon | FaithGateway Store

#BibleGatewayPartner

Rev. Jennifer N. Mieliulis Fuentes, MDiv, Duke University

Review: “Spurgeon and the Psalms: The Book of Psalms with Devotions from Charles Spurgeon” published by Thomas Nelson

Review: KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible

Review: “Eternity Now: The New Testament Series” (NET)

(Luke 4; Va’etchanan (D’varim/Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11) B”H 5783

The Word of God provides for our deliverance from ha-satan’s attacks. Today, we look at how our Savior used Scripture during the wilderness temptation in Luke 4 to cause the enemy to flee!

The enemy’s limited tactics: he waits for us to be weak

Have you ever noticed that the enemy of our souls preys upon us in our weak moments?

David certainly knew it:

“For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
He has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me dwell in darkness,
Like those who have long been dead.
Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;
My heart within me is distressed.” Psalm 143:3-4, NKJV

When we are at our best, fully confident of our place as children of the Most High God because of what our Savior and Messiah Jesus (Yeshua) has done for us and we are walking in the anointing of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) – it is much more difficult for ha-satan (satan) to attack. When we are physically healthy and strong, it is also more difficult for the enemy to attack because our alertness is at a peak – we are prayed-up and fighting off those enemy darts!

So why does the devil have difficulty attacking?

The devil is limited!

Unlike ADONAI Tzva’ot (the LORD of Hosts),

the devil is

not omnipotent

not omnipresent

not omniscient.

Like any mediocre warrior, the devil waits for you to feel weak, and then he strikes.

Trials, tests, and temptation: augmented when hungry!

It was no different when our Savior walked the earth.

Yeshua (Jesus) was led by the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) into the desert wilderness for forty days.

Notice that Luke, a trained physician, mentions the physical hunger that Yeshua (Jesus) was experiencing:

“Now He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry.” Luke 4:2b

Our LORD Yeshua (Jesus), fully-God, fully-man was experiencing true physical hunger.

How do you feel when you are hungry?

It often depends on the day or the circumstances, but I observe that hunger can cause all sorts of issues:

tiredness

irritability

inability to think clearly without distraction

generalized weakness

Symptoms of hunger can make a person susceptible to giving into temptation.

Have you ever promised you would fast, and the first thing that happens when you begin is someone offers you the most decadent dessert or invites you out to eat?

Or maybe something less spiritual.

Maybe you simply want to keep a diet.

You commit to eating your salad greens and limiting your consumption of deep-fried deliciousness, but as soon as you get out of your car when you are heading to work or school you smell the most wonderful scent of fried chicken or some other fast food you love.

The devil knows this. As soon as Yeshua (Jesus) had completed his forty day fast in the wilderness, hasatan jumped at the opportunity to tempt Ben-Elohim, the Son of God.

How our LORD responded to temptation using D’varim

Attack/Temptation #1

“And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Luke 4:3

Our LORD Yeshua (Jesus) responded using His knowledge of Torah (Pentateuch) and more precisely, the book of “D’varim,” which translates as the book of “Words.” (We know it as “Deuteronomy”):

“But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ” Luke 4:4

The LORD Yeshua (Jesus) quoted the Words:

“So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.” D’varim/Deuteronomy 8:3, emphasis added

Attack/Temptation #2

“Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” Luke 4:5-7

How did our Wise and Holy Savior Yeshua (Jesus) respond? Again with a passage from Torah, specifically Deuteronomy:

“And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Luke 4:8, emphasis added

But notice here: before quoting Scripture this time, our Messiah addressed the devil directly, ordering him to “Get thee behind.”

This is important for us today because the devil continues to be a bother.

The devil’s attacks are vicious and he looks for whom he may devour:

“Stay alert! Watch out! Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, searching for someone to devour.” Luke 4:8, TLV

It is critical to put on the armor of God!

Keep it shined up and ready for battle, not rusting away in a closet somewhere!

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you are able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11

Deliverance is dependent upon confessing trust in the Liberator – the God of Israel and His Son Yeshua (Jesus) – and upon knowing the Word and how to use it! Remember, the LORD is your defense and He has provided His Incarnate Word to lead us to victory.

“He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.” Psalm 62:6

Another point of note: during the second temptation, hasatan adds pressure to his demand by citing his own (limited) authority. This tactic is further augmented in the third temptation as we will see.

Attack/Temptation #3

“Then he brought Yeshua to Jerusalem and placed Him on the highest point of the Temple. He said to Him, ‘If You are Ben-Elohim, throw Yourself down from here.'” Luke 4:9

If you noticed that the devil cited his own authority in the second temptation, notice that in the third temptation he goes so far as to cite the LORD’s own authority by using Scripture, specifically Psalm 91:

“For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you,’ and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” Luke 4:10-11

The devil is desperate!

Surely, the devil doesn’t appreciate Scripture because he knows his future is sealed.

Yet hasatan (satan) will do absolutely anything and everything just for the chance to make a person fall into sin and destruction, and ultimately death.

The LORD again cites D’varim. Deuteronomy 6:16:

“And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’ ” Luke 4:12

You shall not tempt the LORD your God.

Yeshua (Jesus) is reaffirming that the LORD is God and that even the devil must acknowledge that Truth.

The devil was left speechless

Do you notice that after each Scriptural response, the devil had no comeback?

That ugly serpent couldn’t come up with a suitable counterargument.

So he left. Only for the time being, but the point is – the devil had to flee because he is put to shame by the power of the Word of God.

So be sure to study the Word for yourself!

Here is a wonderful song that can help you memorize Psalm 62:

When the devil wants to come against you, stand firm on the Truth of Scripture and he will have to leave you alone.

Let us look to our Almighty Savior for the best example of what to do when the devil wants to confuse us or twist Scripture for his own benefit. Know the Word for yourself and stand firm in your faith!

I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of “Spurgeon and the Psalms” published by Thomas Nelson Publishers at no cost to me in exchange for an honest review here on the Adonai Shalom blog.

“Spurgeon and the Psalms” Leathersoft Edition

Few devotionals truly captivate my attention. I find that many of them are full of overly simplistic stories and cutesy platitudes. Certainly, for a new believer or a young person, these types of devotional books may be suitable, but for the serious and mature believer, I often recommend simply turning to the Scriptures themselves because everything else falls short.

That is why this devotional resource is WONDERFUL! “Spurgeon and the Psalms” will get you straight into the Scriptures and focusing on the LORD. That’s the point of having a devotional time, isn’t it!?

It is essentially a “Psalter”: the Book of Psalms published in a lightweight edition. Each Psalm is appropriately prefaced with words written by Charles Spurgeon, a well-known and beloved Christian pastor who lived in England and preached during the 1800’s. His timeless commentary and exhortation will bless you.

Book Review and description

I was struck by the high quality of “Spurgeon and the Psalms” as soon as I took it out of its protective book jacket. The cover is embossed with a simple mountain/nature picture and the quality of the binding is excellent. Keeping with the mountain theme, the inside front and back covers have beautiful gray-toned mountain art.

Like any high quality Bible, “Spurgeon and the Psalms” has gold page-edge gilding.

Interestingly, near the back of the book, you will find a note on the selection of type/font.I found it to be such a nice touch that the explanation was included, as I had noticed the unique font used in this Psalter.

This definitely seems like a book that the publishers want you to treasure. I’m quite certain of that because there is a guarantee printed on the back of the book jacket: Thomas Nelson guarantees their Leathersoft “Spurgeon and the Psalms” for life!

The book contains all 150 Psalms with unobtrusive devotional commentary preceding each Psalm. There are also blank “notes” pages at the back.

The selections from Spurgeon’s own writings help connect the Psalms to the Gospel narrative. If you are unfamiliar with Spurgeon, you will find his writing to be eloquent, detailed, yet exceptionally applicable. There is no doubt he sought the LORD because his writing reflects that type of close relationship with the Father.

My recommendation:

★★★★★

Rating: 5 out of 5.

If you are looking for a Psalter, this is your book. As Spurgeon laments in the Preface, God’s people don’t know the Psalms the way they used to – and he was saying that well over 100 years ago! I encourage you to take the opportunity to truly meditate on and learn the Psalms, and this book will truly help you to do that.

If you are looking for high-quality devotional material for yourself or as a gift, you will very likely enjoy the newly published

I wholeheartedly recommend the newly published “Spurgeon and the Psalms” book to everyone! It is appropriate for believers at all stages in life, and quite honestly, is the type of book every follower of our Messiah should own.

This would make a wonderful gift for anyone you love and care about.

Pastora Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University

Book details

Title: “Spurgeon and the Psalms”
Author: Compilation
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: May 10, 2022
Genre: Bibles/NKJV/Devotional

ISBN-13: 978-0-7852-5343-3

PURCHASE LINKS:  Amazon | FaithGateway Store

I am always a fan of books that primarily use the Scriptures! Check out my review of the Word for Word Bible Comic’s Gospel of Mark! There are so many wonderful resources that directly refer us back to God’s Word, and I love to recommend them so you can grow closer to the LORD each and every day!

I have treasured Your word in my heart, so I might not sin against You.  Psalm 119:11, TLV

Do you read the Psalms as a daily devotional? Let us know! Leave a comment below!