Old Testament Theology - by John Goldingay (Paperback)

About the Book

In the second volume of his three-volume Old Testament theology, John Goldingay examines the theology of the Old Testament under the major rubrics of God, Israel, the Nightmare (judgment), the Vision (hope), the World, the Nations and Humanity. This volume studies the Prophets, Psalms and Wisdom literature, where we encounter a more discursive thinking that is closer to traditional theology.

Book Synopsis

Old Testament Theology: Israel's Faith is the second of John Goldingay's magisterial three-volume Old Testament Theology. The award-winning first volume, Old Testament Theology: Israel's Gospel, followed the story line of the First Testament, developing its narrative theology. This volume finds its point of departure in the Prophets, Psalms and Wisdom literature, where we encounter a more discursive thinking that is closer to traditional theology.Whereas the first volume followed the epochal divine acts of Israel's "gospel" narrative, here Goldingay sets out the faith of Israel under the major rubrics of

• God
• Israel
• The Nightmare
• The Vision
• The World
• The Nations
• Humanity

In a style that cleaves closely to the text, Goldingay offers up a masterful exposition of the faith of the First Testament, one born of living long with the text and the refined skill of asking interesting questions and listening with trained attention. Never one to sacrifice a close hearing of a text for an easy generality, or to mute a discordant note for the sake of reassuring harmony, Goldingay gives us an Old Testament theology shot through with the edge-of-the-seat vitality of discovery.This volume's fresh presentations of theological motifs, as well as its engagement with contemporary contexts, will greatly enrich the treasury of insights this series makes available to preachers and communicators of the Old Testament.

Review Quotes

". . . Quite enjoyable to read . . . thorough, insightful, and incisive commentary . . ."--Robert Gnuse for The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, Fall 2007

"Goldingay witnesses powerfully and faithfully to the 'not us' God who continues to vex and save, threaten and restore. It is no wonder we will not finish the interpretive task. Goldingay has moved us decisively along the way in a task that cannot be completed."--Walter Brueggemann, Scottish Journal of Theology

"I have been enjoying these volumes more than any other books I have read in the last decade. In the future, if I recommend any books relating at all to the Bible or theology, I will recommend these first."--Chris Tilling on Chrisendom, April 14, 2008

"In this book John Goldingay follows up his volume on Israel's gospel with an equally lively and engaging treatment of Israel's faith. Here he tackles the Old Testament's view of God, Israel, 'the Nightmare, ' Humanity, the Nations, to name a few. Goldingay models theological exposition at its best: rigorous wrestling with biblical texts; illuminating dialogue with other disciplines, including systematic theology; transparent personal reflection; and penetrating insights. Its intellectual rigor offers grist for the academic mill, its theological depth rich food for the weekly pulpit. Frequent references to popular culture and comments on contemporary life further measurably enhance this volume. I highly recommend it for academics, clergy and students."--Robert L. Hubbard Jr., Ph.D., Professor of Biblical Literature, North Park Theological Seminary

"In Israel's Faith, Goldingay offers us the second in a series that will most likely constitute his magnum opus. While the first volume (Israel's Gospel) masterfully traced the theological story of Israel, this volume provides a discerning synthesis of key theological streams in the Old Testament. Such a task is possible only for a select few in any generation, and with this volume Goldingay confirms his place among that group.The strength of the volume is that it steers clear of the old etymological and lexical fixation of earlier Old Testament theology and focuses instead on key themes as well as images which express the theology of the Old Testament. Goldingay is able to write First Testament theology on its own terms and thus enable the Old Testament to operate as Christian Scripture, rather than as background to the New Testament and Christian theology. At the same time the volume showcases the value of conversation with the Christian systematic theological tradition without smothering the witness of the Old Testament. Those interested in the fruit of a lifetime of reflection on the Old Testament will find a place for this volume in their library."--Mark J. Boda, Ph.D. (Cantab.), Professor of Old Testament, McMaster Divinity College

"Its fresh presentations of theological motifs, as well as its engagement with contemporary contexts, enriches the treasury of insights this series makes available to preachers and communicators of the Old Testament."--SirReadaLot.org, February 7, 2007

"John Goldingay's second volume of his comprehensive three-volume Old Testament Theology focuses on the major theological themes of God, Israel, the nightmare, the vision, the world, the nations and humanity. Following his masterful narrative theology of volume one (Old Testament Theology: Israel's Gospel) that traces Israel's 'gospel' by focusing on the divine actions of creation and redemption, this second volume examines the faith of the Prophets, Psalms and Wisdom Literature. The move is from narrative theology to systematic themes. Goldingay possesses the rare talent of combining scholarly acumen with literary artistry and an engaging style. By means of theological astuteness, literary clarity, well-honed biblical skills, keen insights and an attendant hermeneutical interest, Goldingay produces a splendid volume for scholar and pastor alike. These two volumes belong in every scholar's and pastor's library."--Dr. Leo G. Perdue, professor of Hebrew Bible, Brite Divinity School

"Reading John Goldingay on the Old Testament is like listening to a lover talk about his beloved. Filled with thoughtful interpretation and a sense of deep admiration for the text."--Stephen J. Lennox, Books Culture, July 2009

"The scholarly ability of the author is incontestable, as is his insight into the importance of the message for the modern-day reader. The book will prove to be an invaluable resource for student and minister alike."--Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., The Bible Today, August 2008

About the Author

John Goldingay (PhD, University of Nottingham) is David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. His books include The Theology of the Book of Isaiah, Key Questions About Interpretation, Do We Need the New Testament? and commentaries on Psalms, Isaiah and Daniel.