Skip to main content

Review: Behind The Scenes Of The Old Testament

The biblical drama was situated among a highly complex sociological, political, and geographic backdrop. In particular, the world of the Old Testament was a critical time for human civilization—yet most readers of the Bible tend to imagine that Israel alone was the sole nation on the scene. While most OT surveys identify cultural issues within particular sections of the text, or provide a cursory introduction to the ancient Near East in an opening chapter, Behind the Scenes of the Old Testament: Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts (Baker Academic, 2018) provides a comprehensive entry point into the ancient world in the time of the OT.

This authoritative tome brings together contributions from the world’s leading biblical and archaeological scholars to offer a variety of articles on OT background issues. It is divided into three parts. The first, “Elements of the Drama,” includes the stage (historical geography), the set and props (archaeology), the scripts (extra-biblical literature), and the frames (iconography). This section introduces the world in which Israel existed and evidence of its functioning. The second section, “Acts and Scenes of the Drama,” includes the acts (a broad survey of the various time periods in Israel’s history) and the scenes (a broad survey of various events occurring outside of Israel during her history). This section describes the history of the region, seen through the lenses of Israel and of her neighbors. The third and final section, “Themes of the Drama,” is a historical-critical examination of the major themes of the OT, including God, family, sustenance, and governance. This section examines biblical themes through their religious, economic, social, and political contexts.

BTSOT succeeds in its task of peeling back the curtain of the biblical drama. Its authors remind readers that the God of the Bible revealed his Word in a culturally bound context that requires careful study in order to best determine the meaning of the text. Moreover, the array of insights provides an integrated approach to the study of the OT context. Its articles are relatively short and accessible to students and demonstrate clear evidence of being well-researched and clearly organized. A useful Scripture and subject index in the back matter would make this a valuable tool for expedited research, eliminating time and frustration in finding exegetical nuggets hidden in esoteric, dusty dictionaries and commentaries. Most articles include large black-and-white illustrations, including photographs of artifacts or landscapes, and maps.

This volume has serious implications for the study of the OT world. It can serve as a one-stop reference for background research in the greater task of exegesis or scholarly work. While its authors recommend and have designed this text as a supplementary resource for intro OT courses, it would be best suited as a reference text in a biblical geography course. Its sheer size (both physically and in scope of content) and cost ($49.99) make it unrealistic for many introductory settings. Nonetheless, BTSOT would be an excellently received addition to library of serious biblical scholars and pastors who desire to faithfully teach the text as it is understood from its original context.


© 2018 Leitourgia All rights reserved.
A complimentary review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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. 
Post a Comment
Read more

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
Post a Comment
Read more

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
Post a Comment
Read more