Paul Devereux obtained diplomas in ministry, teaching, horticulture, field linguistics and translation as preparation for working on language analysis and a dictionary for a Semitic language, which included living and travelling in various regions of the Middle East for 10 years. This involved learning four dialects of Arabic and two dialects of Southern Semitic languages. During this time, he also worked with agricultural aid projects in the region which included a yearlong survey of water resources in a large Bedouin region.In 2010, he returned to his family property in New Zealand where he aims to live off the land to feed his wife and family of 5 foster and step children.
This book comes across as well-researched, authoritative, and challenges some present-day theological views. Paul Devereux has a mixture of personal views and current understanding of God, the Bible and people - and he balances this well with his understanding of the Hebrew language revealed by its letters, and sound constructive arguments to add meaning to the key points he wants to deliver. The Strong's Concordance references help the reader to relate to Biblical words, but I found that while Strong's brings more meaning to a word, it can be limiting in its actual meaning in a specific verse. The author does bring a more multi-dimensional application to the word here. The way Paul introduces Bible verses relating to the word he is focusing on, brings that word to life. May the Bible, as a whole, come to life more as people read this book. This book will appeal to the person seeking truth in their relationship with God. It will appeal to those wanting deeper meaning of the Bible, particularly in the Hebrew-based writings. Paul deals with the 'meat' more than the 'milk', so could be heavy-going for some readers. Overall, his approach is to logically, and as simplistically as possible, present his wonderful revelation of God's desire for His family relationship - and it is all unfolded in the Hebrew alphabet and language! Gary Woodward Electrical Inspector and Apprentice co-ordinator, New Zealand Former pastor and elder of the Saturday Fellowship in Hamilton, and a scholar of Hebrew and the Bible.