Old Testament Theology

Abstract

Old Testament Theology Fred W. Guyette, Thomas Hieke, Christopher T. Begg, Martin Nitsche, and Richard A. Taylor 988. [OT Theology] W. H. Bellinger, Jr., Introducing Old Testament Theology: Creation, Covenant, and Prophecy in the Divine-Human Relationship (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2022). Pp. xv + 200. $24.99. ISBN 9781540961471. "The comprehensive designs of Walther Eichrodt and Gerhard von Rad are now found wanting and we must now find a new shape for Old Testament Theology," so wrote Walter Brueggemann in a 1985 CBQ article entitled "A Shape for Old Testament Theology." [End Page 357] B. believes that we can discern such a "shape," which he summarizes this way: Divine revelation and human response, as expressed in creation, covenant, and prophecy. Each of these three theological elements suggests a portrayal of God and invites a human response to God. Where, then, is the best place to begin our search for this pattern? Answer: Let's begin with the Psalms and the theme of deliverance: "They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress" (Ps 107:6). This leads into a second affirmation: God blesses. "May the Lord, maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion" (Ps 134:3). B.'s third theme for an OT Theology is: God speaks, which finds expression in the words of Ps 24:3: "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts." A theology of creation and blessing is implied in Genesis 1 and 2. God's act of delivering Israel from bondage leads to covenant-making in the Book of Exodus. And after we have forsaken God's ways, he calls us back to obedience through the words of the prophets. After our abject moral failures, who better than the prophet Hosea to offer us a better paradigm for renewing our faithfulness and loyalty to God? See also B.'s essay "Portraits of Faith: The Scope of Theology in the Psalms," An Introduction to Wisdom Literature and the Psalms (Mercer University Press, 2000) 111-28.—F.W.G. 989. [OT and NT Perspectives on Death and Resurrection] Paul Deselaers and Robert Vorholt, Tod und Auferstehung: Perspektiven des Alten und Neuen Testaments (Neue Echter Bibel – Themen 13; Würzburg: Echter, 2020). Pp. 160. Paper €16.90. ISBN 978-3-429-05535-6. The series aims at an interdisciplinary dialogue of Hebrew Bible/OT and NT studies. The topic "death and resurrection" is an important field of biblical theology. D. presents the many faces of death in the Hebrew Bible/OT and the biblical "yes" to life despite inevitable death. He treats the Primeval History (Genesis 1–9) as well as the literary struggle about the fate of the dead in narrative and poetic texts ("dying at a ripe old age, grown old after a full life; and being gathered to one's people"; Sheol; suicide and wishing to die; murder; illness; etc.). He also addresses the discussion about death in wisdom literature. Finally, D. examines the Psalms and other OT materials which occasionally hint at a salvation from death or to a hope for resurrection. V. presents the NT's message about the resurrection of Jesus in the Gospels. A brief section summarizes major findings and brings both parts of the Christian Bible into dialogue with each other.—T.H. 990. [Typology] James M. Hamilton, Jr. Typology – Understanding the Bible's Promise-Shaped Patterns: How Old Testament Expectations Are Fulfilled in Christ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2022). Pp. xxiii + 405. $29.99. ISBN 978-0310534402. As Basil of Caesarea says in his treatise On the Holy Spirit, "Typology points out what is to be expected." Following Basil's lead, H. explores several of the "promise-shaped patterns" found in the OT. The children of Israel were liberated from political bondage in the Exodus, while the "New Exodus" points toward a deeper spiritual reality: an exodus from sin. What God promised in the OT comes to fruition in the NT. Consider the difference Paul describes in Romans between the Old Adam and New Adam. The offices of Prophet, Priest, and King—these were...