How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament: Twelve Steps from Exegesis to Theology
Overview
This book is for anyone who wants to learn how to observe carefully, understand accurately, evaluate fairly, feel appropriately, act rightly, and express faithfully God’s revealed Word, especially as embodied in the Old Testament. Loaded with examples, practical answers, and recommended resources, the twelve chapters will empower believers to study, practice, and teach the Old Testament as Christian Scripture, understanding and applying it in ways that nurture hope in the gospel and magnify the Messiah.
- Follows an extensively field-tested twelve-step process to deepen understanding and shape theology (biblical, systematic, and practical)
- Engages with numerous illustrations from Scripture that model these interpretive steps
- Teaches how to track an author’s thought-flow, grasp the text’s message, and apply the ancient Word in this modern world, all in light of Christ’s redeeming work
- Introduction: A Journey of Discovery and Encounter
- Part 1: Text—“What Is the Makeup of the Passage?”
- Part 2: Observation—“How Is the Passage Communicated?”
- Part 3: Context—“Where Does the Passage Fit?”
- Part 4: Meaning—“What Does the Passage Mean?”
- Part 5: Application—“Why Does the Passage Matter?”
- Conclusion: A Final Word on Walking in the Dark
- Appendix: The KINGDOM Bible Reading Plan
Top Highlights
“Without question, the most important skill for interpreting Scripture is to read, read, and read the biblical text carefully and God-dependently and to consider what it says about God’s character, actions, and purposes and how it points to Christ.” (Page 12)
“Genre refers to an identifiable category of literary composition that usually demands its own exegetical rules. Accordingly, a misunderstanding of a work’s genre can lead to skewed interpretation.” (Page 22)
“The Bible presents YHWH’s prophets as ambassadors of the heavenly court (2 Kings 17:13; Jer. 23:21–22), individuals whom God commissioned for two key purposes: to preach for God to the people and to pray for the people to God.” (Page 44)
“Moses’ laws come to us in two forms, which scholars have tagged as apodictic and casuistic. Apodictic laws are those that are base principles stated in such a way that there is no qualification or exception. In contrast, casuistic laws are always situational, related to specific circumstances. Casuistic laws are often applications of apodictic laws.” (Page 51)
“The main point to grasp here is this: When we see a וְ at the head of a clause, we must determine to what clause or larger text unit it is linked.” (Page 105)
I recommend this book if you have a wanderlust for exploring ancient treasures. There are many, and they are great. DeRouchie will show you how to find them.
—John Piper, founder and teacher, Desiring God
This volume not only will become a standard course textbook, but will also serve as a lifelong resource for those called to study and faithfully proclaim the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ from the Old Testament.
—Miles V. Van Pelt, Alan Belcher Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson
Conversationally engaging; literarily transparent; materially comprehensive; pedagogically superb; academically sound, precise, and informed—all this and more. In over fifty-two years of teaching in the classrooms of higher education, I have seen nothing comparable to this magnificent work by DeRouchie—destined to be the classic in its field.
—Eugene H. Merrill, distinguished professor emeritus of Old Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
Anyone wanting to grapple with how to interpret and apply the Old Testament will find this volume immensely helpful. It is scholarly, rich in theological and exegetical insight, and attentive to Hebrew grammar and syntax, yet the step-by-step approach to the interpretive task means that it is accessible for pastors and Bible teachers alike. You will want to have this volume in your library!
—Carol M. Kaminski, professor of Old Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
- Title: How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament: Twelve Steps from Exegesis to Theology
- Author: Jason S. DeRouchie
- Publisher: P&R
- Print Publication Date: 2017
- Logos Release Date: 2017
- Pages: 640
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. O.T. › Hermeneutics; Bible. O.T. › Criticism, interpretation, etc
- ISBNs: 9781629952451, 9781629952468, 9781629952475, 1629952451, 162995246X, 1629952478
- Resource ID: LLS:HWNDRSTNDOT
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:40:44Z
In the Logos edition, Logos Bible Software gives you the tools you need to use this digital volume effectively and efficiently. With your digital library, you can search for verses, find Scripture references and citations instantly, and perform word studies. Additionally, important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, commentaries, theology texts, and other resources in your library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Jason S. DeRouchie (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Bethlehem College and Seminary. He is coauthor of A Modern Grammar for Biblical Hebrew and A Modern Grammar for Biblical Hebrew Workbook and author of What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About.
Reviews
1 rating
Nicholas Majors
2/6/2021
I am Dr. DeRouchie's Doctoral Fellow and this book and all of his works match his passion for proclaiming and teaching God's word. It is truly a worthy investment. If you want a birds eye view of the book look at MBTS For the Church. We are publishing 12 articles that summarizes each chapter.
