Unlocking the Bible: A captivating biblical history guide across time and faith

This book is an absolute gem, I am reading the whole Bible this year (2026) and this book has been a brilliant study aid. Reading each chapter (book of Bible) before I pick up the Bible to read makes it’s so much easier to track the Bible passages. It puts me ahead and I spend less time being confused by what I am reading as I already have a wealth of knowledge from this book. Plus total honesty Leviticus is ‘a boring book’ then get interesting facts and why the book is the way it is and how it fits into the Bible as a whole. Anyone reading this Bible through need this book, it’s enormous and thick but it’s only a chapter at a time to introduce the next book in the Bible.

Brilliant book.

For anyone who's ever scratched their heads trying to make sense of the bible, this is the book for you. David Pawson's clear, easy to follow, erudite prose opens up the bible. He doesn't pretend the bible is a simple document, but does shine a light on the text to make it easier to get to grips with. The book is filled with examples and stories, and it also tracks Pawson's own journey in trying to understand scripture. There's a great explanation of "Song of Songs", which Pawson says he avoided for years because it just seemed to be too carnal: about the sexual relationship between a man and a woman. To find out his refreshing conclusion about the Song of Solomon, buy this book! It's rare to find a commentary with so much humour in it. I haven't read it in order, but in random chapters as I've read the bible. This may not be the best way to read the book, but it's worked for me. This is one of those books that has helped me understand God's word better, and also (by extension) His character. I can't offer a better accolade than that.

The book itself is so big that I've not read it all but what I have read is good and explains the Bible in a bit more depth. It's a good aid to have when you want to know a bit more background about a passage you read or a book of the Bible. It's not a book I was advised to read all in one go (because it's massive!), but bit-by-bit alongside your regular/daily Bible reading. It's like a history lesson as you read the Bible. It is not a substitute or version of the Bible, just a resource to try and help you understand the Bible history more. For example who wrote what book, who the book was written for/aimed at and some other bits of history. And it is up to you to decide whether you agree with what is written in this book or not - check it against the Bible for yourself if you feel the need. The most important thing is that you read your Bible. As said before - this is just an aid.

This is an excellent book for those who want to understand the Bible and find out what it is all about. Those who are familiar with with the Author, (David Pawson), will be blessed by these 1341 pages. It is good to have the original eight separate books gathered into one volume although to some people this may make it a bit bulky. (Having said that it has not as many pages as the one volume "Lord Of The Rings" with all the additions, but nevertheless it is quite a size). I have been so impressed with this book that I have recommended to several people and know that at least five other people have bought because of that. Certainly a book worth getting. Personally although I have enjoyed reading the book I do have two main areas of criticism with the layout. David Pawson in his introduction states "In this volume the books have been re-arranged in chronological order" so I wonder why he reviews "Job" at the end of "Poems and Worship and Wisdom" especially when he state "The Book of Job may be one of the oldest books that we posses today. We know that it comes from Abraham's era" (Page 415) so why review where he does? Also during his "Overview of the Old Testament" on page 11 he lists the books of "Daniel" and "Esther" after the Exile when a reading of them so clearly places them in the exile. Apart from this criticism, which as I said is personal, I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn more apart the Word of God. Buy it, read it, enjoy, and be blessed by it.

A must read for all who want to understand the Bible! It is a simple, clear, easy to read account of the Bible in its correct context of Jewish and Eastern culture, not western culture and helps you to understand that it is about a relationship with our Father God, not religion. So many verses have been used inappropriately, out of context to suit western religion. I read this, and keep referring to it, when reading my Bible to get things in the right context of what God is actually saying. It has opened my spiritual eyes and set me free from religion. David Pawson is a very insightful, humble, humorous teacher of the Bible with a wealth of knowledge and experience and I am growing in my relationship with God through his teachings, available online. I bought several copies and gave to others who have also said it`s opened their eyes and given them fresh understanding and revelation and they often use it in group studies. Would highly recommend. Thank you David Pawson for your commitment, obedience and devotion to the Word of God and getting it spread across the nations.

I have watched almost the entire series of the late and much missed David Pawson's Unlocking the Bible. This book covers the same topics - the full Bible every book from Genesis to Revelation. Pawsons style of writing is so engaging. A true man of God. And whilst I do not agree with all of David Pawsons theological views - this book is an invaluable aid to anyone wanting insight and explantation of the Bible - he does not comprise and speaks of Gods laws without apology. This is a book I will often delve into when wanting to get a deeper understanding of the Bible. And if you have not watched his Unblocking the Bible video series - then you should! ++

I buy copies of this book to give to my friends so they can be helped by it and increase their understanding of all the 66 books of the Bible as it has been an invaluable resource to me. 'Unlocking the Bible' gives the background of each book, it's history, who wrote it, why it was written, when it was written, it's purpose, what was happening at the time and the wonderful lessons it teaches us in the here and now. It enables you to get the 'Big Picture' of God's story throughout History (His..story). This book is recommended a million times over. I would recommend it to every believer in Jesus Christ who desires to grow in wisdom and knowledge of Him. Read along side the Word of God, it will give you a hunger to read and keep on reading the Bible.