Review: Interpreting the Wisdom Books

The wisdom books of the Old Testament—Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs—are often met with confusion on how to interpret and even preach through them. This is the problem that Edward M. Curtis seeks to fix in Interpreting the Wisdom Books: An Exegetical Handbook (Kregel Academic, 2017), the newest addition to Kregel's Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis (Daniel M. Howard, Jr., ed.). The wisdom books are very timely and practical, so, in this book, Curtis outlines an approach to reading wisdom literature, from observation to interpretation to application.

Curtis guides the exegete through the major themes and concepts of each book, pointing out important literary devices and words. This book reveals the message beneath each book and how it can be appropriated to the modern world. What I found most useful were the short series of "hooks" for each book (i.e. "Ecclesiastes emphasizes perplexing realities about life"). Curtis' text is brief yet full and incredibly accessible to those who desire to study or teach through these often forgotten books. There is also an appendix containing a short guide to using Bible software, updated to its most recent information. The only issue that I encountered was that each chapter was arranged methodologically rather than thematically. It would have been easier to read a separate chapter on observing, interpreting, and applying each individual book rather than a chapter on observing all four books. This, admittedly, is a minor issue, and Curtis' structure does lend itself to effective exegesis.

Curtis does not force interpretations but rather suggests them, presenting the information that the reader can use for themselves. With such controversial books, this is a respectable endeavor. Overall, I highly recommend this text for those who are interested in learning more about these Old Testament books or who would like a different book through which to teach or preach. Curtis' text would fit well in a Sunday school or university course, appealing to a large range of audiences.

(My thanks is given to Kregel for providing a complimentary review copy.)

Comments

Product Review: LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle

Overview When adventure strikes, the right bag makes all the difference. Too often, however, luggage bags are either large, ponderous suitcases or small, flimsy duffle bags. I have traveled to Central and South America multiple times with terribly large suitcases. It added extra complication to my trip—especially lugging the bag up the steps! This is the problem which LL Bean seeks to rectify in the LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle. With a 137-liter capacity, this duffel is able to hold the items of the biggest pack-rat while being easy to transport. It features a telescoping handle, smooth-gliding wheels, and cinch straps. Specifications Capacity: Approx. 8,350 cu. in., 137 L. Weight: 9 lb. 3 oz. Dimensions: 17"H x 34"W x 15"D. Highlights This bag is sturdy. Not only is it capable of holding many items, but it is incredibly durable. It has a reinforced nylon bottom and a thick plastic frame so that the bag does not sag or become weak.

Review: The Way of Worship

In The Way of Worship , respected worship leaders and teachers Michael Neale and Vernon Whaley present an introduction to thinking about worship leadership. This book is divided into two parts, Precepts and Practices. Each chapter includes an analogy of leading worship alongside a river journey, biblical application, and practical wisdom. These chapters are readable, offering brief vignettes into worship ministry. To be sure, this is not a book on the specifics of leading worship. You will not learn how to plan a service or how to lead rehearsals, but this book lays the theological and spiritual foundations for worship leadership. This book is more like a devotional that seeks to grow the soul of the worship leader. The subtitle of “living and leading authentic worship” should be understood as living a Christ-like life of worship rather than “planning and executing authentic worship services.” The student workbook includes helpful reflection questions. While this should not be consider

Review: The Four Pages of the Sermon, Revised and Updated

Paul Scott Wilson's celebrated preaching text, The Four Pages of the Sermon (Abingdon, 2018) is now available in a revised and updated edition, with additions that reflect advancements in homiletical scholarship and cultural dynamics. First published in 1999, Wilson challenged the New Homiletic movement to emphasize God's gracious activity within the text and to let it saturate the entirety of the sermon—not to use the Gospel as a tantalizing treat at the end of a well-crafted plot. Today, this text stands as one of the most respected and accessible works for preachers at all stages in their ministry. Wilson argues that there are four main moves, or "pages," in a sermon: the problem in the text, the problem in the world, the grace in the text, and the grace in the world. Like Eugene Lowry's "homiletical plot," Wilson's sermon upsets the listener by exposing a human need and then moves toward resolution through the power of the Gospel. These page

Leitourgia

Search This Blog