The Problem of the Old Testament: Hermeneutical, Schematic, and Theological Approaches

by Duane A. Garrett

Publisher:

IVP Academic

, 2020

Overview

For Christians, the Old Testament often presents a conundrum. Theologians and laypeople throughout church history have struggled to define it, interpret it, and reconcile it with the New Testament.

Laying a foundation for constructive study of the Old Testament, Duane A. Garrett surveys three primary methods Christians have used to handle the Old Testament, from the church fathers to today: hermeneutical, schematic, and conceptual. Garrett also explores major interpretive topics such as the nature of the law, the function of election and covenants, and how prophecy works, boldy offering a way forward that is faithful to the text and to the Christian faith.

Key Features

• Examines theological development from the church fathers to today
• Surveys three primary methods Christians have used to handle the Old Testament
• Explores major interpretive topics such as the nature of the law, the function of election and covenants, and how prophecy works

Contents

• Defining the Problem
• The Old Testament in the Early Church
• The Hermeneutical Solutions: Alexandria
• The Hermeneutical Solutions: Antioch
• The Schematic Solutions
• The Conceptual Solutions
• Foundations for an Old Testament Theology
• Election and the Covenants
• The Law
• Issues in Narrative
• The Prophetic Method: Hosea
• The Prophetic Method: Joel
• Summary and Prospect

Top Highlights

“In conclusion, an Old Testament theology is not made objective by approaching the text without preconceptions. Rather, its objectivity consists in the coherence of one’s arguments in light of available evidence, and this can be established in the open arena. Intellectual baggage is inescapable, but this does not shut down the process of seeking truth and understanding. At the same time, presuppositions are not self-validating. This allows us to proceed without the nagging fear that we are doing no more than pursuing vast circular arguments. We are free to make our case for what the Old Testament is and what it means.” (Page 15)

“The Septuagint is not the solution to the problem of the Old Testament. The Hebrew is the original; the Greek is a secondary rendition of doubtful quality and uncertain history. If we want to demonstrate that the New Testament’s use of the Old Testament is valid, we must work with the Hebrew Bible.” (Page 43)

“Allegorism is by nature capricious. There are no rules for what is and is not legitimate.” (Page 73)

“The law as an ideal of righteousness and basis of judgment.” (Page 237)

“The central feature of dispensationalism is the claim that Israel and the church are two separate peoples under two separate, divine plans. This implies, and dispensationalists insist, that the Old Testament promises to Israel will be literally fulfilled in and for Israel. They are not in any manner transferred to the church. For dispensationalists, this resolves the problem of the Old Testament. Prophecies about Israel becoming head of a worldwide empire will literally come true. Questions relating to how Christians should handle the Old Testament Law vanish, because the Law is for Israel alone.” (Page 122)

Praise for the Print Edition

This is a book to own. Duane Garrett is an admired scholar and teacher who brings to The Problem of the Old Testament a lifetime of explaining its content in ways that are both enlightening and encouraging. Pastors can use it to orient their preaching and teaching. Students will appreciate its wise guidance to the heart of issues. Laypeople will value its readability and the way it defines the challenges and offers solutions in nonobtuse language. The Old Testament is three-fourths of the Bible. This book keeps its readers from stumbling over the hard parts, the unfamiliar parts, and the confusing parts so that they can more fully grasp what God has caused to be written for their benefit.

—Douglas Stuart, senior professor of Old Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

In a time when many are predisposed to ignore or even jettison the Old Testament, this book is needed to remind us how vital the Old Testament is for the Christian faith. Duane Garrett has provided the academy and the church with a helpful and thorough discussion of the 'problem of the Old Testament.' This book will be an essential conversation partner for anyone considering the importance of the Old Testament for the church today.

—Daniel S. Diffey, associate professor of Old Testament at Grand Canyon University

Duane Garrett clearly identifies and constructively engages numbers of 'problems' with Christian engagement with the Old Testament. He then goes on to provide accessible yet learned guidance in how Christians can approach and read the Old Testament in a way that respects the text, honors the God who gave the text, and nurtures the spiritual life of the reader. Anyone who is a person of the Book should consider the guidance provided in this book.

—W. David Buschart, professor of theology and historical studies at Denver Seminary

Product Details

• Title: The Problem of the Old Testament: Hermeneutical, Schematic & Theological Approaches
• Author: Duane A. Garrett
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2020
• Logos Release Date: 2020
• Pages: 395
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. › Criticism, interpretation, etc
• ISBNs: 9780830843770, 9780830852734, 0830843779, 0830852735
• Resource ID: LLS:PRBLMLDTHPPRCHS
• Resource Type: text.monograph.biblical-theology
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:20:11Z

About Duane A. Garrett

Duane A. Garrett brings to Southern Seminary many years of teaching, writing, research and pastoral experience. He has served on the faculty of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Bethel Seminary, Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary, Mid-America Baptist Seminary and Korea Baptist Seminary. His books include Song of Songs in the Word Biblical Commentary; A Modern Grammar for Classical Hebrew; Angels and the New Spirituality; Authority and Interpretation; and Hosea and Joel in the New American Commentary. He also serves as the general editor for The Archaeology Study Bible from Zondervan Press.