Only one Book is perfect, because only one Book has a perfect Author. (The Bible is that one perfect Book, just to be perfectly clear.) However, some other books, even with their imperfections, are worth reading, re-reading, and recommending. Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard is one of those books for me. I have enjoyed, appreciated, understood, and benefitted from it more every time I’ve read it. It is wonderfully encouraging and helpful, especially in the midst of the difficulties and messes of life. I’ve given away several copies. And a few years ago, I wrote a Bible Study Guide to go along with it.
What are “hinds’ feet,” anyway?
The book itself was written in 1955, so it does contain some more old-fashioned wording, and it uses the King James Version in its Bible references – but don’t worry; even though most of us have to look up what in the world “hinds’ feet” are, it’s really a very readable story! “Hind” is an older, poetic word for a female deer. The title refers to Habakkuk 3:19: “The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” (KJV)
What kind of book is this?
Hinds’ Feet on High Places is an allegory of the Christian life, much like Pilgrim’s Progress. The characters are named for their most prominent character quality – the main character is Much-Afraid, and some of her family members are Craven Fear, Gloomy, Spiteful, Bitterness, and Pride. We also meet the Chief Shepherd (who represents Jesus) and Mrs. Valiant, among others. Places are named in the same way: Much-Afraid lives in the Valley of Humiliation, but she longs to go to the High Places in the Kingdom of Love. She travels along the shores of the Sea of Loneliness, through the Forests of Danger and Tribulation, and so on.
Free Download: Bible Study Guide for Hinds’ Feet on High Places
I hope you’ll read this book and be blessed by it, as I have been, and I hope you’ll utilize and be blessed by the Bible Study Guide, as I was blessed in writing it. It’s so important to compare everything to Scripture, to make sure what we’re learning is true!
The “fillable” form is one you can download to your computer, type your answers directly into the pdf file, and then save “with your changes” to save your reflections in the document. The “printable” form is made to be printed double-sided, and is designed to be easier to use for those who prefer pen and paper to keyboards and screens. Oh, and while you can use any printing of Hinds’ Feet on High Places with this study (there are some beautiful ones available!), there’s a link to the particular printing I used here and in the study guide, if you’d like the page numbers to match up for easier reference.
May the Lord richly bless you in your study of His Word!
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