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Introduction to Old Testament Theology: A Canonical Approach

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This book is for those who want an OT theology that is very detailed, highly-technical, and painstakingly exegetical. Sailhamer's book is not like the other OT theology books (e.g., Brevard Childs, Walter Kaiser, Eugene Merrill and Roy Zuck, Ralph Smith, and Bruce Waltke) that deal primarily with themes, messages, and ideas of the OT. The book is primarily hermeneutical and methodological (in fact, the major portion of the book [pp. 29-194] deals with methodology!). If one is looking for a thematical OT theology this book is not for you (try Kaiser, Smith, or Waltke). However, this is an excellent book for those who like to get into the nitty-gritty of OT exegesis and theological methodology. It is a difficult book to read so this book isn't for those who like to cruise through a book.

In this book is a serious study of Old Testament Theology."In-Texuality" "Inner Texuality" "inter-texuality" and "Con -Texuality" is the method of exegesis that Dr. Sailhamer explains. He comes from a process of Hermeneutic; Text, Canon, Confessional and diachronic (the opposite views are explained also). Then in the Appendix A he presented an aspect of compositional strategy of Pentateuch, titled:
The Mosaic Law and the Theology of the Pentateuch, Appendix B: Compositional Strategies in the Pentateuch. Also, there is an Appendix C and D

The book emphasizes the "text-oriented" approach to Old Testament theology, but is very Scripture light. The book is not Christological or Christ-center in it's approach or thesis. The book makes no mention of how Old Testament theology helped shape New Testament theology. For example, the Apostle Paul refers back to the Old Testament Scriptures to line out the case for the need for redemption through Christ. A study of Romans will show the commitment, on the part of the Apostle Paul, of preaching Christ from the Scriptures (OT Scriptures). Interesting, this book doesn't mention Paul or even quote one verse that is Christological in nature. However, in Luke 24:44, Jesus says, "Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." Jesus fulfilled the demands of the Law and we are saved by faith in Christ. However, Sailhamer never discusses Christ fulfilling the Law or being the promised Messiah of Israel. The book's title states that it's a book about Old Testament Theology, but it is a Christ-less Old Testament theology.