Lectures in Old Testament Theology

by Dennis F. Kinlaw, John N. Oswalt (Editor)

This book comes from recorded classroom lectures given by Dr. Kinlaw at Asbury Theological Seminary in 1993. Dr. Oswalt then devoted an entire sabbatical to the initial editing process. The result is a powerful text that truly “speaks” to both the heart and the mind. Although this is graduate-level material, Dr. Kinlaw’s unique communication gifts make it accessible to the layman. In these lectures, Dr. Kinlaw shows that there is a single theology that rings through the Old Testament. Anyone looking for a broad introduction to Old Testament theology will benefit from reading this book, but so will those who desire nothing more than to have their love for Yahweh strengthened.

Genres: Christian

495 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jackson Feeback · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview of the broad themes of the Old Testament. Kinlaw is easy to read, and he seamlessly connects OT context to interpretation and application.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kinlaw has the scintillating combination of academic credentials, brilliant thinking, biblical scholarship and a heart for God. He brings a high level of biblical study and deep theology and puts it into terms that even I can understand. This book of 462 pages is not quick or light reading but the reward is immensely worth the time.

Kinlaw has such a beautiful view of how God loves to work with us. He says,"Though He is supreme, omnipotent, He chooses not to work in human circumstances without mortals like you and me. "(p. 386) God is not distant but involved in all of our affairs.

Kinlaw's high view of Scripture is so refreshing. Here are his frank thoughts on Psalm 89.
"For a long time I just overlooked it. And then, when I saw what was really there I thought, 'I'm sorry He put that into the Old Testament.' But as I have lived with it for a while, I find myself very glad it is here....I am glad it is included precisely because it seems to put contradictory questions side by side...So what you have in the psalms is a reflection of the 'disconnect' between the glorious past...and a present that doesn't fit...It says to us that it is all right to ask questions, when things don't seem to fit in our faith. But it also says that present distress need not diminish the reality of our faith. " (Lecture 28)

Kinlaw is someone who I sense I can trust. He knows Hebrew, he knows theology, and he understands my questions, because they seem to be his too. But then, while being completely faithful to the Scriptures, he unfolds its meaning and brings forth fresh applications. I am sure that this will be a book I will keep going back to since he treats so many Old Testament themes that are crucial to a clear understanding.

[A. Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Dr Kinlaw takes a confusing part of the Christian scriptures and not only makes them clear ( without going through each verse), but he also makes it...well...cuddly. It is conversational in tone and soft to the touch. Recommend!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome.