The Missing Chapter by David Pinkston is a thorough exploration of divine design through Bible scripture. The book focuses on the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis. Genesis chapter 22 is analyzed in detail. All events in Abraham’s life leading up to Isaac’s halted sacrifice are discussed as prophetic symbolism. Per Pinkston, all these events point to the future arrival of Jesus Christ. The “pointers” foreshadow Christ’s suffering on the cross and His resurrection three days later. The number three is also explained as a planned and purposeful design and not just happenstance. The narrative connects Old Testament events to their fulfillment in the New Testament. Isaac’s story is used again later to illustrate how God must have felt grief when the Son was crucified. Pinkston goes further, though. He tells us the crucifixion and God’s sadness are the results of humanity’s failure. Ultimately, suffering and sacrifice can be replaced by hope if readers recognize the love and opportunity for eternal life that God offers with open hands for the choosing.

Reading David Pinkston’s The Missing Chapter feels like being guided through Scripture with a steady hand. I have attended multitudes of Bible studies over my lifetime. This interpretation of Scripture is the most intense, yet clear, version I have been offered. The author writes with conviction and a stirred heart. I was fascinated with how the Old Testament stories predicted the future in the New Testament. Pinkston’s construction of the book’s content and order was deliberate. The placement of each symbol in its chronological order increased my understanding of God’s plan. The move from analysis to personal reflection was accomplished smoothly. I was left with a better awareness of the Bible’s design. For future readers seeking a purposeful review of Scripture, this work provides clarity. It’s a powerful and recommended read for anyone desiring to understand the heart behind the Word.