Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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!

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.

Although this is a very good book it was not what I was looking for at all. Am sure I'll use it but just not for the purpose I ordered it.

I was really excited when I saw that this book and the series was being produced by David Howard Jr. whom I respect highly in this area. Since, I'm teaching through this in my church, I also was really excited. I thought this would be a welcomed addition to my library and study of the OT historical books. Well, I set myself up for disappointment. The book fails to really go in-depth into the books. It's only a little over 200 pages. You can't expect to cover 12 books in such a short time. The plot analysis is a bit over done. If you like that sort of stuff, read The Art of Preaching OT Narrative by Steven D. Matthewson. The Art of Preaching Old Testament Narrative He does a better job.

My main problem with the book is that the organization is not by books of the Bible, but rather by topic. This is highly annoying if you simply want to read about Judges. Who wants to read the whole book? I'd rather just read a few pages. It really is a poor hermeneutical book as well.

For a good overview of the books, get Victor P. Hamilton's Handbook on the Historical Books: Handbook on the Historical Books

Also, David M. Howard Jr. has his own handbook in the Moody Series is also very helpful.

Please read this book before you buy it and learn from my mistake.