Winner of a 2004 ECPA Gold Medallion Award! In this first volume of a proposed three-volume Old Testament theology, John Goldingay focuses on narrative. Examining the biblical order of God's creation of and interactions with the world and Israel, he tells the story of Israel's gospel as a series of divine acts: Volume two will focus on Israel's faith, or Old Testament theology as belief. It will explore the person and nature of God, the nature of the world and humanity, the character of sin and the significance of Israel. Volume three will focus on Israel's life, or Old Testament theology as ethos. It will explore its worship, spirituality, ideals and vision for living. This is an Old Testament theology like no other. Whether applying magnifying or wide-angle lenses, Goldingay is closely attentive to the First Testament's narrative, plot, motifs, tensions and subtleties. Brimming with insight and energy, and postmodern in its ethos, this book will repeatedly reward readers with fresh and challenging perspectives on God and God's ways with Israel and the world--as well as Israel's ways with God. Goldingay's is not only a scholarly contribution to the ongoing quest of understanding the theological dimensions of the First Testament. Preachers and teachers will prize it as a smart, informed and engaging companion as they read and re-present the First Testament story to postmodern pilgrims on the way. This is Old Testament theology that preaches.
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"Here at last is an OT theology that follows the whole of the biblical narrative and treats it all with theological seriousness. Goldingay conveys his prolific insights so readably that this will be a rich resource for all serious readers of Scripture." (Richard J. Bauckham, University of St. Andrews)
"Goldingay's Old Testament Theology boldly moves in new and welcome directions. Readers will appreciate his commitment to this Testament as a work with its own integrity, whose voice the modern world needs urgently to hear. Furthermore, his great exposition of its central themes hugs the biblical text in a way that will help us all, scholars, students and preachers alike, to capture his sense of excitement and delight in these ancient writings." (H. G. M. Williamson, University of Oxford)
"Goldingay's extensive and penetrating work on the Old Testament, embracing most aspects of its interpretation, ensures that this three-volume Old Testament theology is a major publishing event. His presentation is based on a firm belief that the Old Testament has its own theological ideas which do not in themselves require validation by the New Testament, yet which are indispensable to its understanding. Refreshingly free from constraints imposed by the history of the discipline, he allows the Old Testament itself to set the agenda, weaving story and theology with persuasiveness. He is here, as always, insightful and contemporary, wearing massive learning lightly. It is a most significant addition to Old Testament interpretation." (Gordon McConville, University of Gloucestershire)
"In this volume, John Goldingay, as usual, presents himself as a knowledgeable, sensitive interpreter who pays close attention to the text and to the faith given through the text. The focus on narrative indicates the peculiar way in which biblical faith is mediated that is not excessively tamed by the usual categories of doctrine, piety or morality. The title of volume one, Israel's Gospel, exhibits Goldingay's acute theological passion, one that warrants close, sustained attention." (Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary)
"One of our preeminent biblical theologians has given us a comprehensive way into the Old Testament. Focused on the story, this volume takes one deep inside the texts that tell the story to learn what matters about both story and texts. The particular illumines the larger picture, and the whole provides a context for seeing what matters in the individual texts. What seems at first glance to be very familiar is seen with fresh new insight. From pastor to theologian, all will learn from Goldingay's masterful interpretation of the Old Testament." (Patrick D. Miller, Princeton Theological Seminary)
"This book is immensely valuable. Reading it is like sitting at the feet of a mature, experienced and wise Old Testament scholar and getting a personal tour of the theological significance of the entire narrative of the Old Testament. It is written in a way that is accessible to students wanting an introduction, but there is plenty here for the further education of even senior Old Testament theologians." (Tremper Longman III, Westmont College)
"Goldingay's Old Testament Theology boldly moves in new and welcome directions. Readers will appreciate his commitment to this Testament as a work with its own integrity, whose voice the modern world needs urgently to hear. Furthermore, his great exposition of its central themes hugs the biblical text in a way that will help us all, scholars, students and preachers alike, to capture his sense of excitement and delight in these ancient writings." (H. G. M. Williamson, University of Oxford)
"Goldingay's extensive and penetrating work on the Old Testament, embracing most aspects of its interpretation, ensures that this three-volume Old Testament theology is a major publishing event. His presentation is based on a firm belief that the Old Testament has its own theological ideas which do not in themselves require validation by the New Testament, yet which are indispensable to its understanding. Refreshingly free from constraints imposed by the history of the discipline, he allows the Old Testament itself to set the agenda, weaving story and theology with persuasiveness. He is here, as always, insightful and contemporary, wearing massive learning lightly. It is a most significant addition to Old Testament interpretation." (Gordon McConville, University of Gloucestershire)
"In this volume, John Goldingay, as usual, presents himself as a knowledgeable, sensitive interpreter who pays close attention to the text and to the faith given through the text. The focus on narrative indicates the peculiar way in which biblical faith is mediated that is not excessively tamed by the usual categories of doctrine, piety or morality. The title of volume one, Israel's Gospel, exhibits Goldingay's acute theological passion, one that warrants close, sustained attention." (Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary)
"One of our preeminent biblical theologians has given us a comprehensive way into the Old Testament. Focused on the story, this volume takes one deep inside the texts that tell the story to learn what matters about both story and texts. The particular illumines the larger picture, and the whole provides a context for seeing what matters in the individual texts. What seems at first glance to be very familiar is seen with fresh new insight. From pastor to theologian, all will learn from Goldingay's masterful interpretation of the Old Testament." (Patrick D. Miller, Princeton Theological Seminary)
"This book is immensely valuable. Reading it is like sitting at the feet of a mature, experienced and wise Old Testament scholar and getting a personal tour of the theological significance of the entire narrative of the Old Testament. It is written in a way that is accessible to students wanting an introduction, but there is plenty here for the further education of even senior Old Testament theologians." (Tremper Longman III, Westmont College)
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Now that the third and final volume of John Goldingay's tremendous work is now available, one can properly assess just what he has left us with. The short answer is this: it is simply a magisterial effort. It is a first class work which will be irreplaceable for many years to come.
It is simply amazing for a variety of reasons, not least of which is its massive length. The three volumes comprise over 2,500 pages (2743 pages to be exact). Bear in mind that in the decade he took to pen this, he also produced a number of other important works, including his equally impressive 3-volume commentary on the Psalms, which totals over 2200 pages! Talk about prolific.
This OT theology is simply superb. Goldingay is just utterly steeped in the Old Testament, and has done a superlative job of elucidating its themes, its theology, its vision, its grandeur, and its contents. Almost every aspect of OT studies is entered into here, and he is always up to the task.
The first volume focuses on "Israel's Gospel". It examines the OT narratives from creation to the first coming of Christ. The second volume deals with "Israel's Faith". This concentrates on the Prophets, the Wisdom writings, and the Psalms. Volume three centres on "Israel's Life". It examines the ethical, spiritual and worshipping life of Israel.
Goldingay is of course a Christian but he argues that we must consider the OT on its own terms. He rightly notes that "the Old Testament's insights must be seen in light of those of the New, but only as long as we immediately add that it is just as essential to see the New Testament's insights in light of those of the Old."
Or as he says further on, "It is inappropriate to describe the New Testament as the `authoritative interpretation' of the Old without adding that the Old Testament is the authoritative interpretation of the New."
Indeed, he reminds us of the vital importance of the OT: "only when people have learned to take the Old Testament really seriously can they be entrusted with the story of Jesus." We fail to properly understand the NT gospel unless we have a firm grasp of the OT.
Goldingay is more than qualified to tackle this job. He has been for many years Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, and is one of the world's leading evangelical OT scholars. He has penned numerous important works on OT topics, and this trilogy is in many ways his magnum opus, capping off a distinguished career.
Of course other helpful OT theologies written from an evangelical/conservative viewpoint have appeared over recent times. One thinks of John Sailhamer's Introduction to Old Testament Theology (1996); Paul House's Old Testament Theology (1998); and Bruce Waltke's An Old Testament Theology (2007), for example.
But this is by far the most comprehensive, the most detailed and the most incisive work going. Anyone wanting to master the OT needs this superb set. Mind you, I find myself disagreeing with the author on a regular basis. For example, he is quite open to freewill theism, and thus his take on such areas as divine omniscience and impassibility will not please everyone.
But he certainly gets one thinking, and he is always careful to tentatively - and respectfully - push what might be considered controversial topics. His many decades of careful scholarship and theological awareness, combined with a more than capable writing style, make this work a pleasure to read and a joy to contemplate.
If you get only one Old Testament theology, get this three volume work.
It is simply amazing for a variety of reasons, not least of which is its massive length. The three volumes comprise over 2,500 pages (2743 pages to be exact). Bear in mind that in the decade he took to pen this, he also produced a number of other important works, including his equally impressive 3-volume commentary on the Psalms, which totals over 2200 pages! Talk about prolific.
This OT theology is simply superb. Goldingay is just utterly steeped in the Old Testament, and has done a superlative job of elucidating its themes, its theology, its vision, its grandeur, and its contents. Almost every aspect of OT studies is entered into here, and he is always up to the task.
The first volume focuses on "Israel's Gospel". It examines the OT narratives from creation to the first coming of Christ. The second volume deals with "Israel's Faith". This concentrates on the Prophets, the Wisdom writings, and the Psalms. Volume three centres on "Israel's Life". It examines the ethical, spiritual and worshipping life of Israel.
Goldingay is of course a Christian but he argues that we must consider the OT on its own terms. He rightly notes that "the Old Testament's insights must be seen in light of those of the New, but only as long as we immediately add that it is just as essential to see the New Testament's insights in light of those of the Old."
Or as he says further on, "It is inappropriate to describe the New Testament as the `authoritative interpretation' of the Old without adding that the Old Testament is the authoritative interpretation of the New."
Indeed, he reminds us of the vital importance of the OT: "only when people have learned to take the Old Testament really seriously can they be entrusted with the story of Jesus." We fail to properly understand the NT gospel unless we have a firm grasp of the OT.
Goldingay is more than qualified to tackle this job. He has been for many years Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, and is one of the world's leading evangelical OT scholars. He has penned numerous important works on OT topics, and this trilogy is in many ways his magnum opus, capping off a distinguished career.
Of course other helpful OT theologies written from an evangelical/conservative viewpoint have appeared over recent times. One thinks of John Sailhamer's Introduction to Old Testament Theology (1996); Paul House's Old Testament Theology (1998); and Bruce Waltke's An Old Testament Theology (2007), for example.
But this is by far the most comprehensive, the most detailed and the most incisive work going. Anyone wanting to master the OT needs this superb set. Mind you, I find myself disagreeing with the author on a regular basis. For example, he is quite open to freewill theism, and thus his take on such areas as divine omniscience and impassibility will not please everyone.
But he certainly gets one thinking, and he is always careful to tentatively - and respectfully - push what might be considered controversial topics. His many decades of careful scholarship and theological awareness, combined with a more than capable writing style, make this work a pleasure to read and a joy to contemplate.
If you get only one Old Testament theology, get this three volume work.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I would like to thank InterVarsity Press Academic for graciously providing these review copies.
John Goldingay is the David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. His other other works include Theological Diversity and the Authority of the Old Testament, God's Prophet, God's Servant: A Study in Jeremiah 40-55, a three volume commentary on the Psalms (V. 1, V. 2, V. 3) in the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms, a commentary on the Minor Prophets in the New International Bible Commentary series, a two volume lay level commentary on Genesis (V. 2), a commentary on Daniel in the WBC series, and the other volume in the Old Testament Theology series Vol. 3: Israel's Life.
This is the first of three volumes that will certainly be remembered as Goldingay's magnum opus. This first installment, Israel's Gospel traces the story of Israel from Genesis to the Return from Exile to examine the history and its narrative interpretation by the scribes of Israel. We see not only in the title of this work, but also in Goldingay's explicit discussion and the final chapter concerning the coming of Jesus that he is interested in writing a Christian Old Testament theology. This does not mean a theology where the text of the Old Testament is read to affirm one's theological or exegetical convictions about the New Testament, but one that does not pretend to be a objective reader and interpreter. He also seeks to construct the proper understanding of the Old Testament as the lens through which Jesus and the rest of the New Testament is read. Overall, Goldingay's purpose is to write his understanding of Old Testament theology, not to argue against or provide substantial interaction with others, though he certainly seems aware and understanding of them. In addition, both of the first two volumes are written in what you might call a Hebrew way. It is clear that Goldingay has been deeply influenced in his writing by his reading and immersion of the `First Testament' and his style of description is reminiscent of the narrators themselves.
In forming his description of Israel's Gospel Goldingay uses the built in plot markers of the Old Testament narrative to form his own chapters: "Creation", "From Eden to Babel", "Israel's Ancestors", "The Exodus", "Sinai", "The Land", "From Joshua to Solomon", "From Solomon to Exile" and "Exile and Restoration." In his introductory chapter Goldingay does an excellent job of summarizing this storyline "God began. Humanity turned its back on God's instructions, and God started over. God promised, and a family grew. Israel cried out, and God delivered. God sealed, and Israel imperiled. God gave, and Israel took. Israel equivocated, and God accommodated. Israel turned away, and God wrestled. God preserved, and Israel turned back" (36).
There are two things in particular I found superior about his volume. First, this volume can serve as both a introduction to the history and story of Israel for less educated readers. Most books that deal with the history of Israel are done from either an apologetic stand point or a critical stand point and include much technical, which is important to the scholar, but less relevant to the pastor of educated laymen. Therefore I think it right to call this book a Theological History of Israel, and one that is first rate. Second, Goldingay's commitment to exegesis is clear throughout. He does not allow systematic theological statements to push individual texts beyond what they themselves say and he focuses on the actual contextual meaning of the text for Israel in that time for its meaning without looking for some later typology or cross reference that it may affirm. This is certainly not to say that these are not important areas themselves, but they should grow out of a previous theological reading of the text that focuses on its exegetical meaning. And that is precisely what Goldingay has given us.
As a note of critique, I am not sure if Goldingay would identify himself as an evangelical (which is not itself a critique at all), there was a certain lack of engagement with works by mainstream evangelical authors such as Tremper Longman III or Bruce Waltke. After reading I checked and neither appear in bibliography. Much of these two titans of the OT work has been in the poetic and prophetic books, but I know a few times reading where I thought that Waltke could have been considered on Genesis or Longman's work on divine warfare.
In the second volume, Israel' Faith, Goldingay focuses on the wisdom books and Psalms. While the first volume tells the story of God and Israel, Goldingay explains the identity of God and Israel in this volume. The fundamental goal of identifying God and Israel is seen in the second and third chapters, but this task overflows into others, which seem to be widely based on the conclusions made in "God" and "Israel". These include a chapter on the Exile "The Nightmare", the Return and beyond "The Vision", "Humanity", "The World", and "The Nations."
Again, I would bring up two notes of praise and one of critique. In praise, as in the first volume, Goldingay focuses primarily on the final form of the text and its historical situation. Again, this is excellent work. But in this volume, dealing with the material of wisdom and the Psalms Goldingay rightly sees more area to make broader statements of truth and identity. However, curiously with all the wonderful material available in the poetic canon I found "The World" chapter a bit short. This may be personal preference or the need to not make an already big book even bigger, but the relationship between God and his creation seem to be a large theme of the poetics that could have been discussed in greater detail.
John Goldingay is the David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. His other other works include Theological Diversity and the Authority of the Old Testament, God's Prophet, God's Servant: A Study in Jeremiah 40-55, a three volume commentary on the Psalms (V. 1, V. 2, V. 3) in the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms, a commentary on the Minor Prophets in the New International Bible Commentary series, a two volume lay level commentary on Genesis (V. 2), a commentary on Daniel in the WBC series, and the other volume in the Old Testament Theology series Vol. 3: Israel's Life.
This is the first of three volumes that will certainly be remembered as Goldingay's magnum opus. This first installment, Israel's Gospel traces the story of Israel from Genesis to the Return from Exile to examine the history and its narrative interpretation by the scribes of Israel. We see not only in the title of this work, but also in Goldingay's explicit discussion and the final chapter concerning the coming of Jesus that he is interested in writing a Christian Old Testament theology. This does not mean a theology where the text of the Old Testament is read to affirm one's theological or exegetical convictions about the New Testament, but one that does not pretend to be a objective reader and interpreter. He also seeks to construct the proper understanding of the Old Testament as the lens through which Jesus and the rest of the New Testament is read. Overall, Goldingay's purpose is to write his understanding of Old Testament theology, not to argue against or provide substantial interaction with others, though he certainly seems aware and understanding of them. In addition, both of the first two volumes are written in what you might call a Hebrew way. It is clear that Goldingay has been deeply influenced in his writing by his reading and immersion of the `First Testament' and his style of description is reminiscent of the narrators themselves.
In forming his description of Israel's Gospel Goldingay uses the built in plot markers of the Old Testament narrative to form his own chapters: "Creation", "From Eden to Babel", "Israel's Ancestors", "The Exodus", "Sinai", "The Land", "From Joshua to Solomon", "From Solomon to Exile" and "Exile and Restoration." In his introductory chapter Goldingay does an excellent job of summarizing this storyline "God began. Humanity turned its back on God's instructions, and God started over. God promised, and a family grew. Israel cried out, and God delivered. God sealed, and Israel imperiled. God gave, and Israel took. Israel equivocated, and God accommodated. Israel turned away, and God wrestled. God preserved, and Israel turned back" (36).
There are two things in particular I found superior about his volume. First, this volume can serve as both a introduction to the history and story of Israel for less educated readers. Most books that deal with the history of Israel are done from either an apologetic stand point or a critical stand point and include much technical, which is important to the scholar, but less relevant to the pastor of educated laymen. Therefore I think it right to call this book a Theological History of Israel, and one that is first rate. Second, Goldingay's commitment to exegesis is clear throughout. He does not allow systematic theological statements to push individual texts beyond what they themselves say and he focuses on the actual contextual meaning of the text for Israel in that time for its meaning without looking for some later typology or cross reference that it may affirm. This is certainly not to say that these are not important areas themselves, but they should grow out of a previous theological reading of the text that focuses on its exegetical meaning. And that is precisely what Goldingay has given us.
As a note of critique, I am not sure if Goldingay would identify himself as an evangelical (which is not itself a critique at all), there was a certain lack of engagement with works by mainstream evangelical authors such as Tremper Longman III or Bruce Waltke. After reading I checked and neither appear in bibliography. Much of these two titans of the OT work has been in the poetic and prophetic books, but I know a few times reading where I thought that Waltke could have been considered on Genesis or Longman's work on divine warfare.
In the second volume, Israel' Faith, Goldingay focuses on the wisdom books and Psalms. While the first volume tells the story of God and Israel, Goldingay explains the identity of God and Israel in this volume. The fundamental goal of identifying God and Israel is seen in the second and third chapters, but this task overflows into others, which seem to be widely based on the conclusions made in "God" and "Israel". These include a chapter on the Exile "The Nightmare", the Return and beyond "The Vision", "Humanity", "The World", and "The Nations."
Again, I would bring up two notes of praise and one of critique. In praise, as in the first volume, Goldingay focuses primarily on the final form of the text and its historical situation. Again, this is excellent work. But in this volume, dealing with the material of wisdom and the Psalms Goldingay rightly sees more area to make broader statements of truth and identity. However, curiously with all the wonderful material available in the poetic canon I found "The World" chapter a bit short. This may be personal preference or the need to not make an already big book even bigger, but the relationship between God and his creation seem to be a large theme of the poetics that could have been discussed in greater detail.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a lengthy book that is a part of a monumental three volume set. Each text has a different purpose, not just flowing "chronologically" or "canonically" through the Old Testament (somewhat ironically, the title of the book is "Old Testament Theology," though throughout he calls it the "First Testament"). Volume 1 focuses on the main story line of the Old Testament all the way through the life of Jesus and the early Church. Rather than "seeing Christ in the Old Testament," Goldingay shows the life of Christ and the early Church as flowing from the Old Testament story.
I can see two noticeable effects of this approach. First, in telling the story, Goldingay treats texts together that some readers may not customarily think of together. For example, when discussing creation, he brings to bear all of the Old Testament material concerning creation, such as the early chapters of Genesis along with texts about creation in places like Job and Psalms. This may seem pretty standard to some; however, other circles tend to treat Genesis 1 and 2 in isolation from the rest of the Biblical material about creation. Of course, this introduces the reader to some tensions in the creation accounts. Yet Goldingay is comfortable with this (as am I).
Another effect is that the main story line is kept in tact without getting caught up in too many details. Those of us who work within a church context are all too familiar with either making commitments ourselves or working with those who make commitments to read through the Bible in a certain time period, whether it be 90 days, one year, or three years. People often abandon these commitments by the time they get to Leviticus if they even make it that far. I think part of the problem is that the overarching story line "stalls" a bit from roughly midway through Exodus to midway through Numbers. In my own opinion, this material, though important, is less captivating than the overarching narrative.
Goldingay's aim is to leave that material for another volume and to attempt to follow the overarching story as closely as possible in this first volume. For many, I think this will be a breath of fresh air.
I can see two noticeable effects of this approach. First, in telling the story, Goldingay treats texts together that some readers may not customarily think of together. For example, when discussing creation, he brings to bear all of the Old Testament material concerning creation, such as the early chapters of Genesis along with texts about creation in places like Job and Psalms. This may seem pretty standard to some; however, other circles tend to treat Genesis 1 and 2 in isolation from the rest of the Biblical material about creation. Of course, this introduces the reader to some tensions in the creation accounts. Yet Goldingay is comfortable with this (as am I).
Another effect is that the main story line is kept in tact without getting caught up in too many details. Those of us who work within a church context are all too familiar with either making commitments ourselves or working with those who make commitments to read through the Bible in a certain time period, whether it be 90 days, one year, or three years. People often abandon these commitments by the time they get to Leviticus if they even make it that far. I think part of the problem is that the overarching story line "stalls" a bit from roughly midway through Exodus to midway through Numbers. In my own opinion, this material, though important, is less captivating than the overarching narrative.
Goldingay's aim is to leave that material for another volume and to attempt to follow the overarching story as closely as possible in this first volume. For many, I think this will be a breath of fresh air.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Evangelical Old Testament student opinion
This book presents an idealogy which is very much evangelical. It is exegetical in approach, and has no "center". His interpretaion is masterful. Read more
Published on August 21, 2008 by J. Allison
5.0 out of 5 stars
Israel's Gospel
knowledgeable and thoughtful and comprehensive. the kind of studies we have been needing more of.
Published on February 18, 2008 by RCS
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 287
books:
See all 287 books this book cites
5
books
cite this book:
- A History of Israelite Religion in the Old Testament Period, Volume 2: From the Exile to the Maccabees (Old Testament Library) by Rainer Albertz on 10 pages
- The Chronicler in His Age by Ackroyd on 8 pages
- The Task of Old Testament Theology: Substance, Method, and Cases by Mr. Rolf P. Knierim on 7 pages
- The Curse of Cain: The Violent Legacy of Monotheism by Regina M. Schwartz on 7 pages
- Israelite Religion and Biblical Theology: Collected Essays (Library Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies) by Patrick D. Miller on 7 pages
See all 287 books this book cites
- Israel's Divine Healer by Michael L. Brown in Back Matter
- Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 20, Psalms 51-100 (tate), 608pp by Marvin E. Tate on page 1
- New Dictionary of Biblical Theology: Exploring the Unity and Diversity of Scripture by Brian S. Rosner on page 72
- A Passion for Truth: The Intellectual Coherence of Evangelicalism (Theology) by Alister McGrath in Back Matter
- The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation by Grant R. Osborne in Back Matter
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