Old Testament Theology

by Paul R. House

Publisher:

IVP

, 1998

Overview

The discipline of Old Testament theology continues to be in flux as diverse approaches vie for dominance. Into the stream Paul R. House sends this student-friendly offering that should prove useful to a wide audience. Following introductory chapters on the history of the discipline and his own method, House discusses the theological emphases of each book in the order of the Hebrew canon. Readers with little prior background will find House's thematic surveys particularly helpful for coming to grips with basic biblical content as well as for probing the theological nuances of individual parts of the canon.

The book concludes by forging a set of summary statements concerning God and his character, the people of God, and links between the Old and New Testaments that suggest avenues for the exploration of a full biblical theology.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Israel stands alone in claiming that a single God created all that exists. Monotheism in creation means that God is limited neither in nature nor by region to a particular place. God has no rivals. God has jurisdiction over all created persons and things.” (Page 60)

“If Genesis 1–11 highlights the creation of earth and humanity, then in a very real sense Genesis 12–50 emphasizes God’s creation of a special clan, or nation. This group of chosen people plays several strategic roles. First, their election is the key to solving the sin problem related so unrelentingly in Genesis 3–11. Second, they provide a visible symbol to the world of God’s forgiving grace to sinful human beings. Third, they demonstrate the necessity of commitment and adherence to the one Creator God. Fourth, they illustrate the necessity of exercising faith in their relationship to the Lord.” (Page 71)

“Third, Job 28 and Proverbs 8 argue that God’s skills as Creator prove the Lord’s unsurpassed wisdom.” (Page 64)

“Election here does not exclude or condemn anyone. Rather it works exclusively as a benefit to a world that has no intention of doing what is right. Election in this case proves God’s merciful kindness to the world, not just to Abram.” (Page 73)

“This book uses the Old Testament’s insistence on the existence and worship of one God as a major, normative, theological and historical emphasis.” (Page 56)

Product Details

• Title: Old Testament Theology
• Author: Paul R. House
• Publisher: InterVarsity Press
• Publication Date: 1998
• Pages: 655

About Paul R. House

Paul R. House (1958–) is Professor of Divinity Old Testament at Beeson Divinity School where he teaches Old Testament theology and Hebrew. He earned his PhD from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In 2004, House became Professor of Divinity at the Beeson Divinity School of Samford University. House continues to teach at Samford and also serves as the Associate Dean of Samford’s Divinity School.Paul previously taught at Taylor University, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, and Wheaton College.

House has written several articles and books including Old Testament Survey found in the Hebrew History Collection, Unity of the Twelve in the History of Israel Collection, Old Testament Theology, and the volume on 1 and 2 Kings in The New American Commentary.