Jacob M. Van Zyl would have died of diphtheria at age nine if a doctor had not made a surprise stop at the remote farm and saved his life with an emergency tracheotomy. This miracle made Jacob consider a pastoral ministry.

However, there was no money for the full-time seven-year study. His parents still struggled to overcome the devastating after-effects of the Great Depression and World War II. When his dad's boss offered Jacob an interest-free study loan he knew that God has opened the way once again.

He studied Hebrew, Greek, theology, and psychology. He pastured two local churches for several years. He has practiced pastoral counseling with individuals, couples and groups in churches and clinics for over thirty years. He received the degree D.Phil. in psychology for his research on the self-concept. Jacob belongs to a church of the Reformation. His clients and readers come from all churches.

As counselor, he puts himself into the shoes of his clients, and as Bible student, he puts himself into the shoes of Bible characters. His training and experience in both theology and psychology show in his understanding of the Bible (its language, events, and messages) and in his understanding of people (their views, attitudes and actions).

Thinking of the recent past, Jacob says, "When I 'retired' God gave me the toughest assignment of my life: Studying the whole Bible, chapter by chapter, trusting the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reading commentaries, extracting the messages of each section, and putting it in my own words to share it with others."

And so a trilogy was born:

1. The Yearning of Yahveh (on the Old Testament),

2. The Yoke of Yeshua (on the four gospels),  and

3. The Yeast of Yerushalaim (covering Acts to Revelation).

Jacob testifies, "I have discovered many treasures hidden in the field that I have passed over before. This mammoth task has been a profound blessing to myself, and I hope it will be of lasting value to many others as well."

Excerpts from these books are published on this web site. Click on the Main Page button on the left to get more information about the books and the author. 

Jacob welcomes feedback from readers. If you have a question or a comment, or if you need more info on a certain subject, click on the Give Feedback button.

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