Synopsis: The books of the Pentateuch are among the most foundational for understanding the message and significance of the biblical story. They are also among the least understood. A clear, in-depth, and Christ-centered introduction to these books is, therefore, a pressing need. And The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses is admirably suited to fill that need.

Most Christians, if they are honest, would admit that the Pentateuch, with its elaborate descriptions of the tabernacle and sacrificial systems, and its intricate ceremonial and moral law code, can be, at times, a difficult and alien landscape for the modern Westerner to journey through. However, they must also admit that it lays a necessary foundation for understanding the biblical story of redemption in Christ the King. For those Christians who have experienced this dilemma, as I suspect most of us have, few volumes would be more practical and beneficial than a rigorous, and yet easy-to-follow, analysis of the various elements contained within the Pentateuch. Poythress’ rich introduction to the Mosaic portion of the scriptures is the single most helpful volume I have encountered to that end.

Poythress is a scholar of no little authority. He also has a gift for framing deep truth in simple and comprehensible language. His one-volume introduction to the Pentateuch demonstrates a remarkable grasp of the thorny issues surrounding the interpretation of various Pentateuchal elements; and at the same time, displays a genuine concern that the simple Christian be deeply instructed of Christ through the law of Moses. His profound insights never give the impression of a desire to display his own erudition for the admiration of the scholarly community, as the writings of so many gifted men do. On the contrary, his extensive learning is always subordinated to the goal of edifying the Church. And God has richly blessed his humble motivation with a truly edifying volume.

Through an intense examination of the tabernacle structure, the sacrifices, and the multi-faceted law code, Poythress arrives at the conclusion, as well-supported as it is thrilling to those who have a taste for their Savior, that the Pentateuch, in every conceivable way, was designed to point its readers to Christ. When the hungry Christian is not discouraged from an ardent pursuit of wisdom of God, which leads to salvation, by the difficulties inherent in its strange and foreign nature, the Law of Moses will certainly hold forth an immense and satisfying treasure – in a word, it will hold forth the treasure of seeing and savoring Christ.

Of particular interest is the final chapter on the “Fulfillment of the Law in the Gospel According to Matthew”. The Law-Gospel distinction is one of the most difficult questions of evangelical theology. Poythress’ analysis of Matthew has much to contribute to the ongoing debate; and always in a manner which is easy to follow and practically beneficial.

There are few books which are, in colloquial terminology, “must-reads” for seminarian and layman alike. This is one of them.

You can purchase this by clicking here.

Dr. Michale Horton ( J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics) of Westminster Seminary California stated this about Daniel Hyde’s new publication, “Why the God-Man?” Anselm’s question frames the entire complex of Christian faith, piety, worship, and practice. With devotional warmth and doctrinal clarity, Pastor Hyde makes an excellent tour guide through the treasures that lie at the heart of history–indeed, at the heart of God himself. Whatever the stage in the Christian pilgrimage, God with Us will lead readers from meditation to doxology.”

David Van Drunen (Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics) of Westminster Seminary California also made a statement about Daniel Hyde’s new book saying, “Danny Hyde has provided the church with an outstanding study explaining the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is clear, biblically faithful, and impressively comprehensive given its concise length. This book is guaranteed to provide all sorts of people in and outside the church with a better understanding of the Savior and of why understanding who he is, is so important. I highly recommend it.”

If you would like to purchase a copy of Daniel Hyde’s new book, God With Us, you can do so by clicking here. If you would like to read the previous post dealing with the contents in this book you can so as well here.