Book Review: Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Exegesis and Interpretation by G.K. Beale

G.K. Beale is a well known author with many works on Biblical studies under his belt. Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Exegesis and Interpretation is quite informative and and an easy, enjoyable read.

The purpose of this handbook is to provide a short guide to the use of the OT citations and allusions in the NT. The intended audience is serious-minded Christians, students and pastors, with the hope that even scholars might benefit. (pg. vxii)

A more detailed volume that is co-authored by Beale, is linked below. Though an introductory work on the subject, the work is still detailed enough to keep even the novice Bible reader interested.

Chapter Headings

A quick run through of the contents gives the would be reader an idea of the span of this work.

1. Challenges to Interpreting the Use of the Old Testament in the New
2. Seeing the Old Testament in the New: Definitions of Quotations and Allusions and Criteria for Discerning Them
3. An Approach to Interpreting the Old Testament in the New
4. Primary ways the New Testament Uses the Old Testament
5. Hermeneutical and Theological Presuppositions of the New Testament Writers
6. The Relevance of Jewish Backgrounds for the Study of the Old Testament in the New: A Survey of the Sources
7. A Case Study Illustrating the Methodology of This Book

This is not a straight forward subject as the author asserts several times. Yet, Beale does point out the value of his methodology. Chapter three is the main concern, as the author states, of this handbook and indeed is the highlight. A nine fold approach is offered to answer the all important question, what method should be employed for interpreting how the NT uses the OT? (pg. xviii). This chapter alone is worth the price of the book even if it is the only chapter read.

Overview of Chapter Three

The nine fold approach:

1. Identify the OT reference
2. Analyze the broad NT context where the OT reference occurs.
3. Analyze the OT context both broadly and immediately...
4. Survey the use of the OT text in early and late Judaism that might be of relevance to the NT appropriation of the OT text.
5. Compare the texts (including their textual variants).
6. Analyze the author's textual use of the OT.
7. Analyze the author's interpretive use of the OT.
8. Analyze the author's theological use of the OT.
9. Analyze the author's rhetorical use of the OT.

Each step is elaborated with details to apply the steps outlined.

Though this review has focused on chapter three, the rest of the volume is well worth reading and comprehending. The balance of the book further elaborates on each step. The book is well foot noted, full of examples, has an extensive bibliography, author index, and ancient writings index.

For the serious minded student of Scripture, this book won't let you down. I heartily endorse it.

For further and more in depth study look into

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G.K. Beale and D.A. Carson

Book Review: How to Read & Understand the Old Testament Prophets by Peter Gentry

Many Christians struggle to make sense of the Old Testament. If you fall into this camp, you're not alone. Its not easy, let's face it. Peter Gentry's new book, How to Read & Understand the Old Testament Prophets is a great read and one that can assist the Bible reader with comprehension of the O.T.

This is not a scholarly work. It is written in simple language that even the newest of believers will understand. It will open the door to some of the most difficult passages to wrap your head around and perhaps provide a new perspective on some of those same passages.

...reading and studying the Bible may not be straightforward for readers with a modern and Western background in culture and language. The biblical texts in origin are ancient and Eastern— they come from a different culture and a different time. Kindle Location 168). Crossway.

One of the highlights of the volume is acquiring an understanding of the difference between modern western literature and that of ancient Hebrew literature. There is a vast chasm between the two that most readers today are unaware of. Moreover, Hebrew authors employed the recursive approach.

The normal pattern of Hebrew literature is to consider topics in a recursive manner, which means that a topic is progressively repeated. Such an approach seems monotonous to those who do not know and understand how these texts communicate.  (Kindle Location 172). Crossway.

Grasping these two points will do much to enhance the reading and study enjoyment for the modern Bible reader.

As Gentry continues, he offers specific and valuable examples from the O.T., often from Isaiah. These examples will do much to increase the reader's grasp of the prophets. Word pairs, triplets, typology, metaphors, symbolic language and especially apocalyptic language are subjects covered with enough clarity that the reader will derive an enhanced ability to engage with the OT authors.

Of most import, why was this written for us? What was the ultimate purpose?

...one major purpose of the Old Testament prophets was to bring the people back to faithful love and loyalty to Yahweh in the covenant relationship established at Sinai (Exodus   19– 24) and renewed at Moab (Deuteronomy). (Kindle Locations 446-447). Crossway. 

I can recommend this book with great enthusiasm. Not all of Scripture is perspicuous and this book will be an indispensable aid to those who wish to delve further and more deeply in the study of the O.T.

Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page.


For further reading and study

Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Exegesis and Interpretation by G. K. Beale

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by D. A. Carson & G.K. Beale