Less than $15 at WTS Books!
I own and read this book under its previous title: Whoredom: God’s Unfaithful Wife in Biblical Theology. I’ve recommended the book to friends, and on my blog. I guess that title was a bit over the top for some people. It was re-released as God’s Unfaithful Wife: A Biblical Theology of Spiritual Adultery. Ray Ortlund’s book is still part of the New Studies in Biblical Theology series.
This is a great book on a very difficult subject. It makes for must reading if you are reading, studying or preaching from any of the prophets that wrestled with Israel’s apostasy. It works through the many passages that show how ugly it is, and how prevalent our temptation really is.
I’m glad this book is still available, and wish more pastors would read it. This is particularly true in America where Satan’s strategy to neutralize the Church is seduction rather than persecution. We live in dangerous times as prosperity (and the prospect of losing that prosperity) silently seduces us from faithfulness to the Holy One who has created, redeemed and adopted us. It is the silent spiritual killer that is corrupting many sermons, books and churches.
Sorry if I sound alarmist, pessimistic and negative.
This book is not an easy read. It is a bit academic in that it assumes some working knowledge of the original languages. It is also difficult due to the metaphors Scripture uses to convey how corrupt Israel was in pursuing false gods or engaging in synchretism. Scripture often sexualizes it (and translators work to make it PG) to drive the point home, shocking us for holy purposes. Even if you never preach on those difficult texts, this book will help you keep such texts in mind as you encounter the common call to return to God with all your heart, to love the Lord with all we are and to be blameless before Him.
No, not an easy read but a very important read. I’m glad D.A. Carson asked Ray Ortlund Jr. to make this a part of the NSBT series.
Cavman Considers 