The Problem of the Old Testament - by Duane A Garrett (Paperback)

About the Book

Christians throughout church history have struggled with the Old Testament--defining it, interpreting it, and reconciling it with the New Testament. In this thorough, accessible work, Duane A. Garrett surveys three primary methods Christians have used to handle the Old Testament, offering a way forward that is faithful to the text and to the Christian faith.

Book Synopsis

Biblical Foundations Book Awards Finalist

For Christians, the Old Testament often presents a conundrum. We revere it as God's Word, but we don't always comprehend it. It has great truths beautifully expressed, but it also has lengthy lists of names that we cannot pronounce, detailed rules for religious rites that we never observe, and grim stories that we never tell our children. Theologians and laypeople throughout church history have struggled to define it, interpret it, and reconcile it with the New Testament.

In The Problem of the Old Testament, Duane A. Garrett takes on this conundrum and lays a foundation for constructive study of the Old Testament. He surveys three primary methods Christians have used to handle the Old Testament, from the church fathers to today: hermeneutical, schematic, and conceptual. Garrett also explores major interpretive topics such as the nature of the law, the function of election and covenants, and how prophecy works, boldly offering a way forward that is faithful to the text and to the Christian faith.

"I argue," Garrett writes, "that the Old Testament is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and that it is authoritative and edifying for Christians." This thorough, accessible work is essential reading for all students of Scripture seeking to discover the Old Testament's riches beyond the challenges.

Review Quotes

"I have appreciated the writings of Duane Garrett for many years. His careful scholarship is always of the highest caliber. He has a knack for weaving together a beautiful tapestry that combines careful exegesis and sound theology. The Problem of the Old Testament is no different. It shows us how to navigate many of the landmines of the Old Testament; it makes the argument that the Old Testament can be read rightly as Christian Scripture; and it makes abundantly clear that the Old Testament indeed finds its fulfillment in the Lord Jesus Christ, Israel's promised Messiah. The book is scholarly and readable, which is always a rare combination. It will serve students and teachers of the Holy Scriptures well for many years to come."

--Daniel L. Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

"This is a book to own. Duane Garrett is an admired scholar and teacher who brings to The Problem of the Old Testament a lifetime of explaining its content in ways that are both enlightening and encouraging. Pastors can use it to orient their preaching and teaching. Students will appreciate its wise guidance to the heart of issues. Laypeople will value its readability and the way it defines the challenges and offers solutions in nonobtuse language. The Old Testament is three-fourths of the Bible. This book keeps its readers from stumbling over the hard parts, the unfamiliar parts, and the confusing parts so that they can more fully grasp what God has caused to be written for their benefit."

--Douglas Stuart, senior professor of Old Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

"Through numerous major commentaries and publications, Duane Garrett has distinguished himself as a trusted voice in evangelical scholarship. The Problem of the Old Testament represents the culmination of a lifetime of faithful academic ministry. Garrett notes the challenge the Old Testament presents for Christians as part of our two-testament canon. As we have come to expect, Garrett provides a fresh and bold way forward. Though some readers may arrive at different conclusions, this book will inspire every reader to wrestle anew with the Old Testament as Christian Scripture."

--Andrew M. King, assistant professor of biblical studies at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College

About the Author

Duane A. Garrett is John R. Sampey Professor of Old Testament Interpretation and professor of biblical theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His books include Song of Songs in the Word Biblical Commentary, Authority and Interpretation, Rethinking Genesis, and Hosea and Joel in the New American Commentary. He also serves as the general editor for The Archaeological Study Bible.