Rays of the Messiah’s Glory – David Baron

Those readers who are familiar with the writings of David Baron will be pleased to learn that this book has now been reissued for the benefit of another generation of believers. During the second half of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth, the author was deeply involved in efforts to bring the gospel to the Jewish people, being associated with the Hebrew Christian Testimony to Israel, and, later, the Mildmay Mission to the Jews.

The theme of this book is succinctly expressed by the author in his preface, where he writes, ‘The title and contents alone sufficiently indicate its (the book’s) character and scope’. The seven chapters cover: Prophecies Predicted and Fulfilled; Messiah as Priest and King; Four Prophecies on Messiah as the Branch; the Branch and the Branches; Four Precious Titles of Messiah; Moses and Christ; and, finally, a chapter devoted to Isaiah chapter 53. An appendix has notes on Genesis chapter 3 verse 15; on Genesis chapter 49 verse 10; on Psalm 22; on the Branch; and an additional note on Isaiah chapter 53. The book was first published some nine years after David Baron’s conversion, and echoes the excitement which he experienced on coming to understand that Jesus of Nazareth was, in truth, Israel’s long-promised Messiah. To take his readers on a journey through some significant passages of the Old Testament was obviously not only seen as a duty but as a pleasure. One is reminded of the enthusiasm of another converted Jew who, we are told by the Western Text of Acts chapter 18 verse 5, inserted the name of the Lord Jesus whenever he expounded those same Scriptures to his fellow-countrymen.

Inevitably, given the author’s background and familiarity with Rabbinic teaching, he sometimes takes his readers into detailed discussion and argument which do not always engage the attention of Gentile readers. Nevertheless, the latter will be amply rewarded by receiving the insights and understandings of a Jewish believer whose eyes have been opened to understand the scriptures. This book is easily read, but will not fail to encourage a deeper study of the Old Testament and to confirm the truth of the risen Lord’s words that ‘all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me’.

[Our thanks to Ed Hotchin, Hucknall, Nottingham, England, for this review.]