Old Testament Theology: Israel's Gospel

by John Goldingay

Publisher:

IVP Academic

, 2003

ECPA Gold Medallion Award winner

In this first volume of a three-volume Old Testament theology, John Goldingay focuses on narrative. Examining the biblical order of God's creation of and interactions with the world and Israel, he tells the story of Israel's gospel as a series of divine acts:

• God Began
• God Started Over
• God Promised
• God Delivered
• God Sealed
• God Gave
• God Accommodated
• God Wrestled
• God Preserved
• God Sent
• God Exalted

This is an Old Testament theology like no other. Whether applying magnifying or wide-angle lenses, Goldingay is closely attentive to the First Testament's narrative, plot, motifs, tensions and subtleties. Brimming with insight and energy, and postmodern in its ethos, this book will repeatedly reward readers with fresh and challenging perspectives on God and God's ways with Israel and the world—as well as Israel's ways with God.

Goldingay's Old Testament Theology is not only a scholarly contribution to the ongoing quest of understanding the theological dimensions of the First Testament. Preachers and teachers will prize it as a smart, informed and engaging companion as they read and re-present the First Testament story to postmodern pilgrims on the way. This is Old Testament theology that preaches.

Volume two focuses on Israel's faith, or Old Testament theology as belief. It explores the person and nature of God, the nature of the world and humanity, the character of sin and the significance of Israel. Volume three's focus is Israel's life, or Old Testament theology as ethos, exploring its worship, spirituality, ideals and vision for living.

Contents

Abbreviations
Preface
1. Introduction: Old Testament Theology as Narrative
2. God Began: Creation
3. God Started Over: From Eden to Babel
4. God Promised: Israel's Ancestors
5. God Delivered: The Exodus
6. God Sealed: Sinai
7. God Gave: The Land
8. God Accommodated: From Joshua to Solomon
9. God Wrestled: From Solomon to the Exile
10. God Preserved: Exile and Restoration
11. God Sent: The Coming of Jesus
Postscript: Old Testament Theology and History
Bibliography
Author Index
Subject Index
Scripture Index

Praise for Old Testament Theology

"Abundant and rich material for Christian preaching."

"Goldingay has produced a scintillating exposition of Old Testament narrative, describing its rich 'particularities' (p. 37) and offering a wealth of critical suggestions for its theological appropriation. His treatment takes account of recent scholarship, exhibits a keen awareness of methodological debates and is written in a highly readable, even genial style. For theologians, pastors, students--anyone wanting to think through the Old Testament theologically (again) with an expert guide--his book is a must-read."

"Goldingay helps us all learn more about the Old Testament to the end that we more faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus."

"Here at last is an OT theology that follows the whole of the biblical narrative and treats it all with theological seriousness. Goldingay conveys his prolific insights so readably that this will be a rich resource for all serious readers of Scripture."

"Goldingay's Old Testament Theology boldly moves in new and welcome directions. Readers will appreciate his commitment to this Testament as a work with its own integrity, whose voice the modern world needs urgently to hear. Furthermore, his great exposition of its central themes hugs the biblical text in a way that will help us all, scholars, students and preachers alike, to capture his sense of excitement and delight in these ancient writings."

"Goldingay's extensive and penetrating work on the Old Testament, embracing most aspects of its interpretation, ensures that this three-volume Old Testament theology is a major publishing event. His presentation is based on a firm belief that the Old Testament has its own theological ideas which do not in themselves require validation by the New Testament, yet which are indispensable to its understanding. Refreshingly free from constraints imposed by the history of the discipline, he allows the Old Testament itself to set the agenda, weaving story and theology with persuasiveness. He is here, as always, insightful and contemporary, wearing massive learning lightly. It is a most significant addition to Old Testament interpretation."

"In this volume, John Goldingay, as usual, presents himself as a knowledgeable, sensitive interpreter who pays close attention to the text and to the faith given through the text. The focus on narrative indicates the peculiar way in which biblical faith is mediated that is not excessively tamed by the usual categories of doctrine, piety or morality. The title of volume one, Israel's Gospel, exhibits Goldingay's acute theological passion, one that warrants close, sustained attention."

"One of our preeminent biblical theologians has given us a comprehensive way into the Old Testament. Focused on the story, this volume takes one deep inside the texts that tell the story to learn what matters about both story and texts. The particular illumines the larger picture, and the whole provides a context for seeing what matters in the individual texts. What seems at first glance to be very familiar is seen with fresh new insight. From pastor to theologian, all will learn from Goldingay's masterful interpretation of the Old Testament."

"This book is immensely valuable. Reading it is like sitting at the feet of a mature, experienced and wise Old Testament scholar and getting a personal tour of the theological significance of the entire narrative of the Old Testament. It is written in a way that is accessible to students wanting an introduction, but there is plenty here for the further education of even senior Old Testament theologians."

Product Details

• Title: Old Testament Theology, Vol. 1: Israel’s Gospel
• Author: John Goldingay
• Publisher: InterVarsity Press
• Publication Date: 2003
• Pages: 940

About John Goldingay

John Goldingay has been at Fuller Theological Seminary since 1997 and currently serves as the David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament in the School of Theology. Before coming to Fuller, Goldingay was principal and a professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at St. John’s Theological College in Nottingham, England. He is the author of several books, including Old Testament Theology vol. 1, After Eating the Apricot, and Models for Scripture, as well as commentaries on Daniel, Isaiah, and Psalms. He holds membership in the Society of Biblical Literature and serves on the editorial board for the Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies.