The ESBT is a tremendous, eye-opening series. Its chief value is its ability to connect dots that only top-notch biblical theology can do. Perhaps its only downside is its rigid adherence to Covenant Theology. As one who does not wholeheartedly embrace that perspective, I still find multiple nuggets of insight that can be organized into grand vistas of the biblical horizon. Among the books I’ve encountered in this series, it is this one by Brandon Crowe that most comes across as a polemic for Covenant Theology. Still, I found connections that I really appreciated in the biblical text.

A secret for gleaning (if you’re a Covenant Theology proponent you’ll need no such secrets) is to simply substitute the continual refrain of “covenant” with the great overarching concept of our Lord reaching out to us. I find that throbs with life while funneling it through the narrow funnel of “covenant” a bit stale. That perspective makes other demands too that straightjacket God’s full-orbed vision more than is necessary. My point for rambling on about this line of thought is that non-Covenant Theology folks can benefit between the covers of this book as well. Of course it’s red meat for rabid followers, but, surprisingly, it’s pretty nourishing for the rest of us. (To be fair, I sometimes feel the same way about dispensational writings).

So where goes this book strike oil for me? It’s the walk through Scripture from a birds-eye view. You might have the ah-ha moment, like me, when you, say, see that profound connection between Judges and Ruth. There were others, but I really enjoyed that one. You can read through for the flow of Scripture or you can read sections where you are currently studying and really add to your stores.

With those caveats above, I still recommend this book.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.