Journal: Masters Seminary Journal
Volume: TMSJ 16:1 (Spring 2005)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

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TMSJ 16:1 (Spring 2005) p. 153

Book Reviews

Cyril J. Barber, The Faithfulness of God, Part II, Devotional Studies in II Chronicles. Santa Ana, Calif.: Promise Publishing Co., 2004. 339 pp. $15.50 (paper). Reviewed by James E. Rosscup, Professor of Bible Exposition.

A writer of more than thirty books follows up a similar theme in 1 Chronicles with twenty chapters on 2 Chronicles (cf. review, TMSJ, 14/1 [Spring 2003]:106-7). With a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from Talbot Theological Seminary, the author has served on library staffs of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Rosemead School of Theology, and Simon Greenleaf School of Law. His other books include similar treatments of Ruth, Judges, Nehemiah, and 1 and 2 Samuel. Similar expositions of 1 and 2 Kings (784 pp., and 684 pp.) were issued by Wipf & Stock Publishers in 2004. He also co-authored An Introduction to Theological Research with Robert Krauss.

The commentator, whose wide awareness of scholarly literature is evident in footnotes throughout this work, insists on the accuracy of biblical details. He also is unafraid to differ on such things as the widespread view that the theme in the Chronicles is the temple. He opts for a theme of God’s faithfulness in covenant goodness to His people (cf. Ps 132:11–12). He reasons that God was faithful to His people in their Babylonian captivity when He helped them return to their land and rebuild against obstacles. He sees Ezra as the most feasible chronicler, as already shown in the review on 1 Chronicles noted above. He argues some facets of a case for the theme. A walk in the ways of David is upheld as a standard for kings (e.g., 11:17; 17:3–4). In spite of much detail about the temple, he feels that more emphasis is on prayer, as in 2 Chron 7:14 and often in the book (cf. also Dan 9:4–19). Other facets of God’s faithfulness refer to racial and spiritual purity, the law’s proper role, the place of worship in the temple and priesthood, and verses on not forsaking the covenant but being faithful to the Lord, plus a repeated focus on seeking God and the relevance of the Word in strengthening personal faith. Relevancy to believers today is found, for example, in Paul’s words of Rom 15:4 about OT Scriptures nourishing perseverance and encouraging comfort.

The author in his usual manner comments on sections and verses, laid out in a clear outline. He intersperses this with anecdotes that richly illustrate and catch attention. Devotional lessons are fairly consistent ...

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