What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Jesus’
Bible
Edited by Jason S. DeRouchie
A vibrant book on the Old Testament that is both
theologically astute and pastorally sensitive, What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About is a real gem.
Edited by Jason S. DeRouchie, Professor of Old Testament at Bethlehem College and
Seminary, this book is an assemblage of some of the finest OT evangelical
scholars from Stephen Dempster to Preston Sprinkle. Rather than outline the book from a Christian
canonical perspective, the authors follow the Jewish order by looking at the
Law, Prophets, and Writings in order with an eye towards the progressive revelation
of God’s work in history. This academic
book is unique in that seeks to identify three to six lasting themes in each
chapter (23) that give an answer to the theological trajectory of each OT book
while maintaining a focus on the transformative character of God’s revelation
in each book for God’s people. The usual
questions of authorship, recipients, purpose, date, and immediate context are
covered in one page snapshots at the beginning of each chapter. This book is Christ-centered, replete with
practical application, and has a theological focus that is refreshing without
getting too bogged down in arcane details.
What was really wonderful about this book was the details that
come out in the chapters which make the biblical text come alive. In the chapter on Genesis, Stephen Dempster
writes, “A speaking reptile would have shocked an ancient audience. The content of the speech increased the severity
of the shock. First, the snake used the
term “God” (Elohim) and not “the Lord God,” a striking aberration in this
section of the text. The snake did not
know God covenantally – in personal relationship. It only knew about God” (69). The deceiver, from the very beginning, sought
to dethrone God even by the very use of his language. Dempster helps the reader understand that the
snake knew about God and his power but was not in a position of humble reliance
upon him. One is reminded of Calvin here
in his writing on the knowledge of God and the knowledge of self that is paramount
to belief in God. A personal and
transformative relationship is not the kind of connection the snake had with
God, nor did the snake desire that kind of relationship for Adam and Eve. Furthermore, Kenneth J. Turner adds some key
details about the Law that are very helpful by writing, “That is, the Old Testament
Law, provides a paradigm for understanding how to love others, even today….” (96). The Ten Commandments especially provide a
vertical and horizontal lens in which we understand how to relate to God and
others covenantally.
At every point, this book was challenging and deep in its
spiritual wisdom and theological insights.
I know this book would be a great help to students wanting to gain a
better understanding of the Old Testament while never forgetting that Christ is
the one who holds both testaments together.
On a side note, one can see the imprint of Stephen Wellum and Peter
Gentry’s book, Kingdom Through Covenant throughout the entire book. The only real deficit I saw in the book was a
very limited bibliography at the end of each chapter. Additional items in an extended bibliography
at the back of the book would help students in their research and writing. Overall, this is an excellent resource!
Thanks to Kregel Academic for the copy of this book in
exchange for an honest review.
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