Interpreting the Historical Books: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis) [Paperback]

Robert B. Chisholm (Author), David M. Howard (Series Editor)

Book Description

Series: Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis | Publication Date: October 27, 2006

This valuable reference tool for students and pastors explores the components of the narrative genre—setting, characterization, and plot—and then develops the major theological themes in each of the Old Testament historical books. (20070401)

Editorial Reviews

Review

My interpretive first love is Old Testament narrative. How I wish Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis: Interpreting the Historical Books (Kregel) had been available during my formative years of training. It provides a wealth of information, tools, and samples for anyone interested in understanding and proclaiming biblical narrative. Knowledge of the biblical languages can be a great step forward in navigating the objective truth. Invitation to Biblical Hebrew: A Beginning Grammar could offer a great refresher course for those whose first year of Hebrew is in the foggy past. For those who already know the difference between a Hiphil or Niphal, a Workbook for Intermediate Hebrew will take you farther into your journey into the original languages. This workbook teaches syntactical analysis of the Hebrew text. (John Henry Beukema Christianity Today )

The strength of Interpreting the Historical Books is Chisholmís skill at articulating and illustrating a reading strategy for Hebrew based exegesis. Too many seminary students spend semesters learning the rudiments of the biblical languages, but never learn how to apply the knowledge that they have gained to the actual practice of interpretation. A careful reading of Interpreting the Historical Books will empower the student to deploy her understanding of Hebrew for a deeper engagement with the biblical text than is possible for those who rely only on English translations. (RealMinistries.org )

About the Author

David M. Howard Jr. (Ph.D., University of Michigan) is dean of the Center for Biblical and Theological Foundations and professor of Old Testament at Bethel Seminary. He has published five books and numerous journal articles, book chapters, and essays.

Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., is the chair of the Old Testament department and professor of Old Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. Dr. Chisholm is the author of several books, including Handbook on the Prophets and From Exegesis to Exposition: A Practical Guide to Using Biblical Hebrew.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Academic & Professional (October 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825427649
• ISBN-13: 978-0825427640
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #414,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A welcome contribution to theology and Biblical studies shelves., March 4, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Interpreting the Historical Books: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis) (Paperback)

Written by Robert B. Chisholm Jr. (chair of the Old Testament department and professor of Old Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary), Interpreting the Historical Books: An Exegetical Handbook is an in-depth scrutiny of Old Testament books Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. Chapters examine the components of narrative (setting, characterization, and plot) in each of these Old Testament historical books, interpreting the narrative writings through a common lens to promote understanding. A scholarly, serious-minded assessment written for intermediate to advanced Biblical or literary scholars, Interpreting the Historical Books includes a glossary and an introduction to narrative literary, structural, and dialogue terms to aid relative newcomers to the field of Biblical study. A welcome contribution to theology and Biblical studies shelves.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific and Helpful, April 12, 2008

By 

Marc Axelrod (Potter, Wi USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Interpreting the Historical Books: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis) (Paperback)

I really liked this book. Robert Chisolm Jr is a solid and seasoned guide as he takes you on a tour of the Old Testament historical books. The first 88 pages is a helpful discussion about what is narrative literature. He discusses plot structure and the different types of discourse in a narrative.

The next section gives the main themes of Joshua through Esther. Chisholm brings out the main themes of each book. Later, he will suggest that the best way to interpret a particular chunk of scripture is by understanding the message God is conveying in the larger book.

Chisholm discusses the tools and books that will best prepare a person to interpret these books. He also discusses problem texts (the two differing accounts of King Ahaziah's death in Kings and Chronicles) and suggests that sometimes, it is better to say that we don't have the answer at present than to give a strained explanation that will not stand scrutiny.

Chisholm concludes with a treatment of how to move from text to application and then he gives two examples of this, one from 2 Kings 2:23-25, and one from Ruth chapter one.

The book was fascinating, and Chisholm does a great job of showing the neat literary art of the OT narrators. For example, 2 Samuel 11-12 shows how David went from being a hero like Caleb to being a unwise, selfish conqueror like Samson.

Also, Samson's weakness for the honey in the lion prepares the reader for his weakness with regard to his taste with women.

What an enjoyable and helpful book! Thumbs way up!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A debt of thanks, July 18, 2007

By 

James E. Allman "Grace man" (Rowlett, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Interpreting the Historical Books: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis) (Paperback)

Chisholm's book is a welcome addition to the literature on the study of biblical narrative. It addresses issues that other manuals on narrative do not address, such as speech function and discourse types. A great debt of thanks is due to the author.