Introduction to Old Testament Theology: A Canonical Approach

Though it attempts to do many things, the present work is primarily an introduction to the study of OT theology; it attempts to provide a student-oriented, comprehensive overview of this discipline. Students need to learn both how others before them have mined the OT for its theological treasures and how they themselves can begin that same task. This book also seeks to clear new ground in defining the task of OT theology. It is a truism to say that biblical theology, and particularly OT theology, has been largely defined as a historical discipline. It is a discipline that seeks merely to describe Israel’s faith as it is expressed in the OT scriptures. While not denying the legitimacy of such an aim, it has become increasingly clear to many biblical theologians that there is more to OT theology. Just what that “more” consists of is still uncertain. Therefore, part of our aim is to cast some light on what that “more” can consist of, both by interacting with the contemporary discussion and by attempting to contribute to it. It is with that purpose in mind that the present work concludes with a “proposal” for doing OT theology.