Deciding on the proper interpretation of tough biblical passages demands skillful study and mature reflection on the Scriptures. Vital Biblical Issues: Examining Problem Passages of the Bible addresses difficult interpretive issues from both the Old and New Testaments. Included are articles by Merrill F. Unger, Gleason F. Archer, Jr., Michael P. Green, and S. Lewis Johnson, Jr., among others.
Some of the issues discussed in this volume include:
“The chapters in this book address some of the problem passages in the Bible. Why did Noah curse Canaan? Did God change his will about Israel having a king? Why did the psalmists pray for vengeance on their enemies? Is the book of Daniel a fraud? What did Jesus mean when He commanded His followers to take up their own crosses? What does abiding in Christ mean? In what sense did God ‘give up’ sinners? Did Paul teach that women should wear head coverings? In what sense is the church a ‘mystery’? What is the meaning of the phrase ‘the husband of one wife’?” (Page 9)
“The bizarre little story in Genesis 9:18–27 about Noah’s drunkenness and exposure along with the resultant cursing of Canaan has perplexed students of Genesis for some time. Why does Noah, the spiritual giant of the Flood, appear in such a bad light? What exactly did Ham do to Noah? Who was Canaan and why should he have been cursed for something he did not do?” (Page 11)
“So the oracle of Noah, far from being concerned simply with the fortunes of the immediate family, actually pertains to vast movements of ancient peoples.6 Portraying their tendencies as originating in individual ancestors, the book of beginnings anticipates the expected destinies of these tribes and nations.” (Page 12)
“Each volume in the Kregel Vital Issues Series includes carefully selected articles from the thirties to the present—articles of enduring quality, articles by leading evangelicals whose topics are as relevant today as when they were first produced.” (Page 10)
“Noah began in 6:9 with the note that Noah was righteous and blameless before the Lord, and ended in 9:18–27 with Noah in a degraded condition.” (Page 14)