Wondrous Depth: Preaching the Old Testament [Paperback]

Ellen F. Davis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 2005

Ellen Davis is concerned by what she calls a "shallow reading" of Scripture--a reading of what we think we already know instead of an attempt to dig deeper for new insights and revelations. Wondrous Depth is a collection of essays in which Davis argues for a more engaged reading of Scripture that opens the reader up to new knowledge and understanding. Davis also demonstrates that preaching and biblical interpretation are essentially related to one another in that it is essential for preachers to engage in thorough reading and interpretation of Scripture from the pulpit and to encourage their congregations to read the Bible with depth and sensitivity as well.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"In this extraordinarily well-written book Ellen Davis calls for much more preaching on the Old Testament as Christian Scripture, and she "shows" rather than "tells" how to engage effectively in the practice of exegetical preaching. Along the way she also develops important theological insights about theoretical problems raised by the practice of preaching on the Old Testament: problems about the relevance to preaching of historical-critical study of the Bible, controversies over whether critical and pre-critical ways of reading Scripture can work together, and sensitive issues raised by Christians adopting as their own texts that are Judaism’s Scriptures. The passionate heart of this book is its persuasive advocacy of the critical importance to Christian faith and life of preaching on those astonishing, inexhaustibly rich, wondrously deep Old Testament texts." --David H. Kelsey, Yale Divinity School, author of Imagining Redemption

This is a deeply exciting book. Not only for preachers, but for any reader of scripture, Ellen Davis opens up extraordinary biblical riches. She shows why it is worth spending time lovingly attending to every word, what we can learn from the moderns and the premoderns, and how superabundant the meaning of the Bible is. Then she demonstrates what she talks about in some superb sermons by past masters and by herself. --David F. Ford, Regius Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge

"Ellen Davis moves to wondrous depths in presenting a powerful premodern exegetical alternative to the scandal of shallow reading of the Scriptures. She invites preachers to rediscover the joy of the Old Testament as a source of wonder, astonishment and imaginative precision and in so doing she helps to restore theological reading of the Bible to its rightful place." --Paul Scott Wilson, Professor of Homiletics, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto

"Ellen Davis writes with such beauty and precision, she would be an inspirationto the pulpit regardless of her subject. But when someone of her sensibilities,wisdom, and literary gifts takes on the topic of Old Testament preaching,preachers are doubly blessed. Reading this superb book is a commandperformance." --Thomas G. Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching, Candler School of Theology, Emory University.

"Wondrous Depth is a brilliant synthesis of exegetical preaching, Old Testament preaching, and Anglican preaching at its best. It retrieves neglected forms of homiletical practice deeper than many that currently reach parishioners. It will expand the repertoire of contemporary preachers who seek to engage the intellect as well as the emotions of their hearers." --Ellen Charry, Associate Professor of Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary

About the Author

Ellen F. Davis is Amos Ragan Kearns Professor of Bible and Practical Theology at Duke University Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. She is the author of Who Are You, My Daughter? Reading Ruth Through Image and Text; Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Getting Involved with God; and Imagination Shaped.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (September 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664228593
• ISBN-13: 978-0664228590
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #962,058 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

5.0 out of 5 stars If only for her sermon on Psalm One, July 2, 2011

By 

mmbrown - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wondrous Depth: Preaching the Old Testament (Paperback)

Dr. Davis is a theological scholar beyond compare. If only for her sermon on Psalm 1, this book would be a worthwhile purchase. It's true Dr. Davis has done the work, that she has the ability to instruct so clearly one may not realize that she is standing back and letting us think how easy it was. We might never come on this style of teaching again.

2 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, but weak finish., April 20, 2009

By 

Aaronjon "Aaronjon" (Grover Beach, California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wondrous Depth: Preaching the Old Testament (Paperback)

Davis has certainly done her homework for this book, with a wealth of research at her disposal. As a primer for tackling difficult texts on the Old Testament, it suffices...as long as its part of a collection. From a Pastoral or Homiletic point of view, Davis' assertions come out weak and not well thought out. Her investigation of the text starts out strong, and generally ends with a soft, unassuming, Presbyterian whimper.