An Old Testament Theology: A Canonical and Thematic Approach

One of Andreas Köstenberger's Best Books of 2007

Named "Bible Reference & Study Book of the Year" for 2008 by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

The Old Testament is more than a religious history of the nation of Israel. It is more than a portrait gallery of heroes of the faith. It is even more than a theological and prophetic backdrop to the New Testament. Beyond these, the Old Testament is inspired revelation of the very nature, character, and works of God. As renowned Old Testament scholar Bruce Waltke writes in the preface of this book, the Old Testament's every sentence is "fraught with theology, worthy of reflection."

This book is the result of decades of reflection informed by an extensive knowledge of the Hebrew language, the best of critical scholarship, a deep understanding of both the content and spirit of the Old Testament, and a thoroughly evangelical conviction. Taking a narrative, chronological approach to the text, Waltke employs rhetorical criticism to illuminate the theologies of the biblical narrators. Through careful study, he shows that the unifying theme of the Old Testament is the "breaking in of the kingdom of God." This theme helps the reader better understand not only the Old Testament, but also the New Testament, the continuity of the entire Bible, and ultimately, God himself.

959 Pages
Published in 2007

About the Author

Bruce K. Waltke (ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD, Harvard University), acknowledged to be one of the outstanding contemporary Old Testament scholars, is professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, and professor emeritus of biblical studies at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has authored and coauthored numerous books, commentaries, and articles and has contributed to various dictionaries and encyclopedias.