Christian Interpretation of the Old Testament

Is there nothing about Christian interpretation that makes it look different from, say, Jewish exegesis or secular exegesis? Yes. We believe that God has raised Jesus from the dead. We know the end of the story, and now we can—must—go back and read Israel's story in light of that great culminating event. In doing so Israel's story becomes ours. This is why Christian interpretation is not a neutral undertaking, but one that, like every other area of our lives, rests in the reality of the gospel.*

*Footnote: A seminary professor of mine, the late Raymond Dillard, would evaluate student sermons on the Old Testament by asking, "Could this sermon have been preached in a synagogue?" The answer had better be "no"! His point was that there should be something distinct about Christian preaching of the Old Testament.

Peter Enns, from his Introduction to Exodus. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000, p. 26.

Enns' Introduction is an excellent read for a simple and convincing argument in favor of decidedly Christian interpretation of the OT.  In this commentary, Enns also includes an Annotated Bibliography of the top 10 picks for the study of Exodus. 

I have added his recommendations to the TheoSource catalog of Recommendations on the OT Pentateuch and Historical Books .   You can find more Recommendations for Bible Study by clicking on the BOOK REC'S link at the very top of this website.

Christian Interpretation of the Old Testament

Giveaway: Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings

Longman, Tremper and Peter Enns, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings: A Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship. Downers Grove, Ill.; Nottingham, England: IVP Academic; Inter-Varsity Press, 2008. Jacketed Hardcover, xxiv + 967 pages. $50.00

Purchase: IVP | WTS | Amazon | CBD

ISBNs: 0830817832 / 9780830817832

Table of Contents

Preface (vii)
How to Use This Dictionary (ix)
Abbreviations (xi)
Transliterations (xx)
List of Contributors (xxi)
Dictionary Articles (1)
Scripture Index (942)
Subject Index (960)
Articles Index (967)

Excerpt

"A" Entry Samples

Over the past few weeks I have been thumbing through IVP's most recent "Black Dictionary," their Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings. I have prepared a brief review that will be posted tomorrow at SharperIron. Instead of cross-posting this review here, I would like to ask you to visit ShaperIron in order to read it. The reason for this is that I will be giving away a brand new copy of this dictionary, and instructions on how to participate in the drawing will be offered at the end of that post.

The drawing will be limited to SharperIron members only. So, if you are not a member of the SharperIron forums, please consider registering. There will be plenty of time to do so.

If you choose not to join SharperIron, I would still like to receive your response to the giveaway questions. You can leave your comments on this post. Judging how this contest goes, we may be able to do this again in the near future. Pass the word!

Giveaway: Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings