The IVP website contains positive recommendations for dig deeper from David Jackman, John Chapman and Mark Dever, and deservedly so. The book aims to equip bible readers with 16 ‘tools’ to dig deeper into God’s word. Illustrations from Sach and Beynon show how right bible-handling makes a real difference in the lives of ordinary Christians. The 160 pages are a well presented and enjoyable read, packed with examples.

Conservative evangelical in approach, the book emphasises the importance of context, close attention to the text itself, application by first seeing what it meant to the original readers, hard work and the role of the Holy Spirit.

I have used this book, as preparation and background reading, twice, for a 10 week course on Bible-handling at All Saints, Crowborough. People of divergent Christian maturity have attended and, I think without exception, found the book enjoyable, clear, stretching, yet accessible. The questions at the end of each chapter are useful homework exercises.

The one drawback of the book is the occasional weak example doesn’t quite do all that the Author’s hoped (e.g. p.124) There is also one potential drawback, namely, excessive detail that might unnerve the ‘average’ Bible reader. For example, the ‘structure tool’ includes a section on Chiasm (p.47f) which is probably a bridge-too-far for many and of limited use to those without a facility in the original languages. However, a guided reading would ensure that this drawback is not realised!

Overall, the book is a superb resource and at £7 (or cheaper if you buy in bulk from 10ofthose.com, ) I warmly recommend it for use within the local Church setting and even as a way to brush up our own personal Bible-reading skills!