Customer Reviews

Women of the Bible: A One-Year Devotional Study of Women in Scripture

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having read many different types of devotional studies, I was pleased to find that Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler & Jean E. Syswerda exceeded 90% of them in content and readability. Not only did I find this book very well written, but it is thouroughly grounded in solid biblical principle. The reader starts the week off with a women from scripture, not just the ones everyone is familiar with, but others also. One such study is of Rizpah, a concubine of Saul's. On Monday you learn her story...On Tuesday you read of her life and times. Wednesday covers the legacy she has left in scripture, Thurdsay covers her promise and Friday ends with an overview of scriptural references and devotional questions. I originally picked this book up for myself. However, I liked it so well that I have already given three out as Christmas gifts and I am ordering 2 more copies for others. I highly recommend this book.

I agree with the other reviewers who enjoyed Women of the Bible as personal devotionals -- leading the reader towered Scripture passages, suggesting prayer, etc. -- or as the opportunity to learn more about the personalities and accomplishments -- and think of applying the lessons from their lives to today -- of biblical women.

However, I do not this book is a good choice for a small group study. My small group chose to do this study; we were flipping through the book at the bookstore and liked the organization and amount of study/discussion questions. Our weeks went like this: review the accomplishments of the woman, generally discuss her attributes or failing, then on to the study questions. We found that the study questions were just unable to spark meaningful conversation -- in many cases they were yes/no questions. On a good week, one of us would bring up some great topic to discuss that just tangentially related to the woman's life, and were able to have a more lively and interesting conversation.

At the end of the study, we confessed to one another that we simply did not enjoy this book -- that it not group study material. There are just so mnay excellent small group study books, books where you can't wait for the group meeting to discuss your revelations over the week and how the book can impact you life. For starters, look at anything written by John Eldredge. The Sacred Romance or Journey of Desire, for instance, are just womderful and will make an impact on your lives. If your group doesn't want to do a "book study" but more of a Bible study, just pick a book of the Bible and do that. A group at our church spent an entire year studying Revelation on their own. But there are also studies that correspond to books, such as the New Inductive Style Series published by Harvest House.

So, if you're looking for a nightstand devotional, this may be the book for you. Skip around chapters and find the people and themes you find most meaningful to your life at that point. And it's an easy devotional to put aside and later come back to. But in terms of a small group study, look at some other books and formats (especially if you're the group leader -- you'll get points by choosing something that'll make you group running late every meeting and where group members meet informally during the week as well).

I recently started reading this book. I am very impressed. Each week focuses on a different woman of the Bible, some well-known and some not well-known. I like the way the story is first told in today's language and the information about the culture at the time that woman lived. The questions for each week are not the type that have a wrong or right answer, but they get you to think about how you feel and what you believe. As another reviewer said this is the first woman's devotional that does not focus on being a wife and mother. I think many men would also find this a great book to read and study from.

I highly recommend this book and will be sharing it with my Sunday School class in a few weeks. I think women of any age and personal situation will learn a lot from this book.

This is the most unique study book I have ever read in my entire life. I love this!! It tells you where to find the story---gives you a written story---asks you questions---suggest neat ideas and gives you prayer ideas. It even gives you the history of what it was like in their time! This book is so unlike the other study books I've read. I have a lot of trouble following a lot of study books b/c its just information, although interesting, it's hard to keep my attention. The way this book is written really kept me going--I absolutely fell in love with this book. I didn't follow the everyday planning although that is an option (it puts the days of the week at the top) I usually did one week in one night since each day was so short. But the short was great for when I was in a hurry for something. I loved this book, its fantastic and absolutely worth more than every penny spent.

I had been searching for a devotional book that would take me deeper into the scriptures, but that would apply to my life. I am 21 years old, not married but in need of some direction. I was amazed at how awesome this book is. It applies to me, but it applies to women of all ages too. It does not focus on having a husband or having children as most women's devotionals do. I was HIGHLY Impressed! A must read for EVERY woman

I discovered this book when trying to find a book for my Bible Study. Divided into short daily devotions, it's all I can do to wait until the next day to read (especially on Fridays, when I see the woman of topic for the next week!). This book focuses on women that I already knew (Eve, Ruth, Mary), but then so many more women who are less well-known (Tamar, Rizpah, Joanna). These women have so much to teach us, and have often gone ignored. These authors do a wonderful job of combining knowledge of Biblical times with modern applications. I would encourage all women to read this book. I'm approaching the end of this year-long book, and I'm tempted to start all over again reading it in January!

The best part about the book is the list of questions about the woman in each chapter, which makes you think a little deeper about the woman's story in the Bible. The questions are ideal for either personal or group study. The sections with background information were also very helpful. Since I am a little old-fashioned and prefer to use the King James Version of the Bible with its more poetic language, I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5.

This book is wonderful for a solo or group guided study. It guides you, but allows you to draw your on conclusions. It is a wonderful study for anyone interested in learning more about the women in the bible.

I am currently leading a Bible study group using this book and I agree with the reviewer who stated that the questions do not lead to much discussion. The questions are kind of odd, like When in your life have you succumbed to _______? Then all the ladies just sit and look uncomfortable.

Also, some of the women of the Bible are so obscure, it's hard to "learn" anything from their lives - i.e. Potiphar's wife, Lot's wife - both were particularly hard to study for an hour. The narratives are interesting, but sometimes take too much creative license.

For more spiritual depth, I suggest "Lifetime Guarantee" by Bill Gillham. That's the one I wish my group was studying right now.

I found this book to be an excellent beginning to learn specifically about the life and times of women in the Bible. I did not have a good foundation in this area and yearned for a concise way to focus and get started. The book's readings and additional Biblical references were helpful in becoming more familiar with the Bible. In addition, it has served as an encouragement to read other books about women in the Bible. Some I have found to be better than others. The Q&As were helpful for my journal writing as I mediated on the meaning and message of these women in their lifetime and our times today. All in all, I encourage women to read this book and and experience their own revealations found in these very special women's lives touched by God. Peace and blessings