Old Testament Theology [Hardcover]

Paul R. House (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 4, 1998

The discipline of Old Testament theology continues to be in flux as diverse approaches vie for dominance. Into the stream Paul R. House sends this student-friendly offering that should prove useful to a wide audience. Following introductory chapters on the history of the discipline and his own method, House discusses the theological emphases of each book in the order of the Hebrew canon. Readers with little prior background will find House's thematic surveys particularly helpful for coming to grips with basic biblical content as well as for probing the theological nuances of individual parts of the canon. The book concludes by forging a set of summary statements concerning God and his character, the people of God, and links between the Old and New Testaments that suggest avenues for the exploration of a full biblical theology.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul R. House teaches at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama). An Old Testament scholar, he has taught previously at Taylor University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Wheaton College.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 655 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (November 4, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830815236
• ISBN-13: 978-0830815234
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.6 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #149,492 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, scholarly, readable..., December 14, 2000

By 

Donald S. Meador "imthman" (Novo Hamburgo, Brazil) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Old Testament Theology (Hardcover)

I bought this book when I took Dr. House's course on Old Testament Theology during my seminary studies. When I read back through the book, I hear his voice. His writing is as clear as his teaching - it is excellent. Even more excellent is this work that probes Old Testament theology from a conservative, evangelical point of view. He explains his methodology as he unfolds the historical development of the discipline. Around page 90, he enters the Scriptures at Genesis 1. He approaches the Old Testament in the Hebrew order, since that would be the order from which Jesus, the Apostles, and the early church would have read and understood it. This approach does make a difference, as the Hebrew ordering is based more on literary genre than is the Christian ordering of the books. House derives sound conclusions throughout this presentation of his field. This book helped me to put together many key themes of the Old Testament and see how they continued to work into the New Testament. An example: in Genesis 1, God is presented as the Creator. House's book helps one to see the theological arguments of Isaiah and the Psalmist(s), among others, who base their teachings, praise and prophecy on the fact that God created. Do not let the length of the book intimidate you - it is well worth the read. It is far better than any other book I have read on Old Testament Theology or Old Testament thematic study.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars From InterVarsity Press:, October 18, 2005

By 

S. McDonald "Library World" (Independence, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Old Testament Theology (Hardcover)

The discipline of Old Testament theology continues to be in flux as diverse approaches vie for dominance. Into the stream this author sends this student-friendly offering that should prove useful to a wide audience. Following introductory chapters on the history of the discipline and his own method, he discusses the theological emphases of each book in the order of the Hebrew canon. Readers with little prior background will find his thematic surveys particularly helpful for coming to grips with basic biblical content as well as for probing the theological nuances of individual parts of the canon. The book concludes by forging a set of summary statements concerning God and his character, the people of God, and links between the Old and New Testaments that suggest avenues for the exploration of a full biblical theology.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The diversity and unity of Biblical Theology, June 20, 2008

By 

Thomas Haviland-pabst "whowhatwho" (Asheville, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Old Testament Theology (Hardcover)

I have been thoroughly impressed by Paul House's treatment of Old Testament theology. Particularly his method of doing theology. He uses the monotheistic God as his central theme in exploring the theology of the Old Testament books. Within his treatment of each book of the Old Testament, he draws theological themes especially pertaining to his main theme, that of the one God, in different sections of the book. Along with this, at certain points he gives a canonical synthesis of a particular theme, or themes. This canonical synthesis is the most illuminating portion of his work, though I'm saying this not to diminish some of his insights in his treatment of a book of Scripture by itself. In this canonical synthesis, he sets a theme, or themes, within the rest of the canon (that is Scripture) both previous treatment of a theme, and later treatments of the theme within the context of Scripture. Also, what makes this resource useful is that it is written in fairly clear language, the whole book (not including endnotes, bibliography, etc.) is all of five hundred and about 40 pages, he gives an orthodox treatment of God's character and illuminates some redemptive aspects of God's character found in the Old Testament. I didn't give it a five because he doesn't explain all point that he makes as thoroughly as he could have. But, I'm not sure if, given the nature of biblical theology, I could solidly give any biblical theology work a full five stars.