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He Gave Us Stories: The Bible Student’s Guide to Interpreting Old Testament Narratives
Explains how to grasp and apply the timeless truths in Old Testament narratives.
520 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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April 30, 2025
he did indeed
May 15, 2012
Review of He Gave Us Stories by Richard L. Pratt, Jr.
In this book, Richard Pratt looks at the Old Testament (OT) narratives and asks the question, “How do we interpret and apply these stories faithfully?” He then sets out to answer the question by looking at how we prepare for interpretation, the mechanics of narrative interpretation, and finally how we can faithfully apply the narratives of the OT.
In the first section of the book (about one quarter of its overall length), Pratt looks at the interpreter’s preparation for the narratives of the OT. He first talks about the “authority dialogue” approach to interpretation. This is an approach where the reader brings (invariably) presuppositions to the text but also comes to listen to the text, like a dialogue. Christian hermeneutics is a dialogue with the text, but it is a dialogue where the interpreter recognizes the absolute authority of the Bible. This dialogue creates a hermeneutical spiral where the reader brings presuppositions to the text but the text also changes the reader’s presuppositions. There are other factors/influences involved in this spiral that alter the interpreter (all controlled by the Holy Spirit): individual Christian living, interaction with Christian community, and Scripture exegesis. In chapters two through four, Pratt explores these influences. First, individual Christian living affects our interpretation and the hermeneutical spiral. The Spirit uses our personalities and all our experiences to influence and guide our interpretation of Scripture. Second, to avoid the risk of being too independent, the Spirit also uses community. Interactions with pastors, teachers, books, tradition, friends, etc. are all used by the Spirit to influence and guide our interpretation of the Scriptures. They also provide a reservoir of checks and balances for our interpretations. Finally, the Bible itself, as we exegete it, is used by the Spirit to influence us in the hermeneutical spiral. There are three methods of OT exegesis that we need to consider: thematic analysis (making note of the themes that seem to be central in the text), historical analysis (looking at the events that lie behind and influenced the OT narratives), and literary analysis (studying the texts as literary works of art and studying the text from this perspective). All these methods are interrelated and necessary to avoid eisegesis (danger of thematic), loss of theological foundation (danger of historical), or speculation (danger of literary).
In the second part of the book, which is about half the whole book, Pratt gives an analysis of the tools use for narrative interpretation. Now that Pratt has laid the foundation for the interpreter in part one, he can move on to the details of narrative interpretation. Here, the interpreter is seeking to discover the original meaning of the text—the meaning the document had in the context of its writer and audience. This meaning is fixed, singular, and the normative meaning for the rest of the interpretive work. This is not the same as simplicity, however, because writers, documents, and audiences interacted in several ways to form meaning. These interactions produce angles from which to look at or summarize the original meaning: paradigmatic (analyzing meaning of words or expressions by comparing them with the available options that were not chosen), syntagmatic (noting the usage of words in relation to the other words in the text), and pragmatic (the extra-linguistic situation of the writer and audience). It is one thing to say the text has one meaning, quite another to say it is simple to discover, state, or summarize. In the rest of part two, Pratt discusses aspects of narrative interpretation: characterization (selected traits, interaction, tension, etc. which help structure the basic drama and meaning of texts), scenes (scene depiction and how to divide texts into scenes), episode structure (how the individual episode drives the plot through problem, climax, and resolution), large narrative structures (large structures ordering from angles like chronology, topics, or theology), writers and audience (dates of texts for historical context and the writer’s intention), and overviews of OT narratives.
Finally, in the third part of the book, Pratt can address application, building on the foundation of the previous two parts. Pratt first sets out the goal: to find the relevant themes in the narratives, ascertain how they relate to our lives, and bring out the implications for our day. One of the most important aspects of this is realizing that redemptive history has many epochs but all anticipate or look back on Christ. So, the OT should be viewed in light of Christ and His offices of prophet, priest, and king. The task before us in applying the OT narrative is to determine which office(s) the passage focuses on and how that points to Christ. Another aspect and task of the interpreter in application is to bridge the cultural gap between Christians today and the original setting of the text. To do this, the interpreter must evaluate the OT cultural context of a passage and modern culture, both in light of the NT teaching of Christ. Finally, the interpreter must make the applications personal to his modern audience. This requires evaluating the applications for the original audience, discovering the underlying principles, and applying those principles to the diverse needs of our modern audiences.
Over all, this is a great resource for the library of pastors, professors, and students. It is not for faint of heart, so we would not recommend it for the average churchgoer. It is very well organized, logical, and systematic. Pratt’s many examples, charts, and diagrams are quite helpful as well. While the whole book is excellent, the guides for application in part three and chapter 12, “Overview of Old Testament Narratives,” are particularly helpful and worthy of reference for papers, sermons, and lessons.
One of the downsides of this book is that, although it is well organized with many helpful examples and diagrams, its dense subject-matter makes it a little dry and difficult to get through at times. Another downside is the endnotes. The notes are very helpful and give the reader lots of extra information, but they are endnotes, not footnotes. It is not very convenient to be flipping back and forth between the chapter and the back of the book.
The interpretive tools gained from this book far outweigh the few downsides to the book. Again, we would not recommend this for the average churchgoer, but any serious biblical scholar, preacher, teacher, or student should have this book in their library to help guide them towards faithful interpretation and application of OT narrative.
In this book, Richard Pratt looks at the Old Testament (OT) narratives and asks the question, “How do we interpret and apply these stories faithfully?” He then sets out to answer the question by looking at how we prepare for interpretation, the mechanics of narrative interpretation, and finally how we can faithfully apply the narratives of the OT.
In the first section of the book (about one quarter of its overall length), Pratt looks at the interpreter’s preparation for the narratives of the OT. He first talks about the “authority dialogue” approach to interpretation. This is an approach where the reader brings (invariably) presuppositions to the text but also comes to listen to the text, like a dialogue. Christian hermeneutics is a dialogue with the text, but it is a dialogue where the interpreter recognizes the absolute authority of the Bible. This dialogue creates a hermeneutical spiral where the reader brings presuppositions to the text but the text also changes the reader’s presuppositions. There are other factors/influences involved in this spiral that alter the interpreter (all controlled by the Holy Spirit): individual Christian living, interaction with Christian community, and Scripture exegesis. In chapters two through four, Pratt explores these influences. First, individual Christian living affects our interpretation and the hermeneutical spiral. The Spirit uses our personalities and all our experiences to influence and guide our interpretation of Scripture. Second, to avoid the risk of being too independent, the Spirit also uses community. Interactions with pastors, teachers, books, tradition, friends, etc. are all used by the Spirit to influence and guide our interpretation of the Scriptures. They also provide a reservoir of checks and balances for our interpretations. Finally, the Bible itself, as we exegete it, is used by the Spirit to influence us in the hermeneutical spiral. There are three methods of OT exegesis that we need to consider: thematic analysis (making note of the themes that seem to be central in the text), historical analysis (looking at the events that lie behind and influenced the OT narratives), and literary analysis (studying the texts as literary works of art and studying the text from this perspective). All these methods are interrelated and necessary to avoid eisegesis (danger of thematic), loss of theological foundation (danger of historical), or speculation (danger of literary).
In the second part of the book, which is about half the whole book, Pratt gives an analysis of the tools use for narrative interpretation. Now that Pratt has laid the foundation for the interpreter in part one, he can move on to the details of narrative interpretation. Here, the interpreter is seeking to discover the original meaning of the text—the meaning the document had in the context of its writer and audience. This meaning is fixed, singular, and the normative meaning for the rest of the interpretive work. This is not the same as simplicity, however, because writers, documents, and audiences interacted in several ways to form meaning. These interactions produce angles from which to look at or summarize the original meaning: paradigmatic (analyzing meaning of words or expressions by comparing them with the available options that were not chosen), syntagmatic (noting the usage of words in relation to the other words in the text), and pragmatic (the extra-linguistic situation of the writer and audience). It is one thing to say the text has one meaning, quite another to say it is simple to discover, state, or summarize. In the rest of part two, Pratt discusses aspects of narrative interpretation: characterization (selected traits, interaction, tension, etc. which help structure the basic drama and meaning of texts), scenes (scene depiction and how to divide texts into scenes), episode structure (how the individual episode drives the plot through problem, climax, and resolution), large narrative structures (large structures ordering from angles like chronology, topics, or theology), writers and audience (dates of texts for historical context and the writer’s intention), and overviews of OT narratives.
Finally, in the third part of the book, Pratt can address application, building on the foundation of the previous two parts. Pratt first sets out the goal: to find the relevant themes in the narratives, ascertain how they relate to our lives, and bring out the implications for our day. One of the most important aspects of this is realizing that redemptive history has many epochs but all anticipate or look back on Christ. So, the OT should be viewed in light of Christ and His offices of prophet, priest, and king. The task before us in applying the OT narrative is to determine which office(s) the passage focuses on and how that points to Christ. Another aspect and task of the interpreter in application is to bridge the cultural gap between Christians today and the original setting of the text. To do this, the interpreter must evaluate the OT cultural context of a passage and modern culture, both in light of the NT teaching of Christ. Finally, the interpreter must make the applications personal to his modern audience. This requires evaluating the applications for the original audience, discovering the underlying principles, and applying those principles to the diverse needs of our modern audiences.
Over all, this is a great resource for the library of pastors, professors, and students. It is not for faint of heart, so we would not recommend it for the average churchgoer. It is very well organized, logical, and systematic. Pratt’s many examples, charts, and diagrams are quite helpful as well. While the whole book is excellent, the guides for application in part three and chapter 12, “Overview of Old Testament Narratives,” are particularly helpful and worthy of reference for papers, sermons, and lessons.
One of the downsides of this book is that, although it is well organized with many helpful examples and diagrams, its dense subject-matter makes it a little dry and difficult to get through at times. Another downside is the endnotes. The notes are very helpful and give the reader lots of extra information, but they are endnotes, not footnotes. It is not very convenient to be flipping back and forth between the chapter and the back of the book.
The interpretive tools gained from this book far outweigh the few downsides to the book. Again, we would not recommend this for the average churchgoer, but any serious biblical scholar, preacher, teacher, or student should have this book in their library to help guide them towards faithful interpretation and application of OT narrative.
June 11, 2025
Overall, the book is helpful. I think you’d be hard-pressed to come away without a better approach to OT narrative. The drawbacks were a strange conceptual apparatus (the terms were particular/esoteric and are not easy to remember) and (ironically) a pretty basic/bland closing section that I thought needed plenty more depth and development. There were a few nuggets in here that I’ll remember and reflect on, but 400 pages of material seems unnecessary for what’s here - 200 pages probably would have matched the tenor/purpose of this book much better.
September 19, 2008
This is definitely one of the best (more technical) books on Old Testament (OT) hermeneutics. Pratt is thorough and clear in explaining how OT narratives are to be read and interpreted today. He gives clear and convincing examples in each chapter of the point(s) he is trying to make. He is gospel-centered - especially in his way of viewing OT texts from the triperspectival view of Christ being the fulfillment of the OT as Prophet, Priest, and King. His applying the text to the modern read, also flows this triperspectival emphases (following Frame, Edwards, Keller, et al) by applying the text to the mind, the will, and the emotions.
June 2, 2025
This is a very comprehensive guide to interpreting Old Testament stories, as the subtitle proclaims. It is also helpful in understanding other genres in the Old Testament, such as prophecy and poetry. But Pratt concentrates exclusively on narratives.
The book covers in turn what Pratt considers the three processes of interpretation: preparation (through reliance on the Holy Spirit and human study), investigation (of the writer, the text, and the audience), and application (to both the ancient and the modern world). Each section of the book begins with a synopsis of and an orientation to that particular process. Sixty-six charts or illustrations appear throughout the book to help summarize or illustrate various points.
Under preparation, he covers the influence of Christian living, of interactions in community, and of exegesis. Under investigation, he considers characters, scenes, dramatic flow, large narrative structures, writers and their intentions and audiences, and finishes with an excellent overview of Old Testament narrative history. Finally, under application, he considers application across different eras, different cultures, and to different people.
Each chapter ends with review questions and study exercises, as you would expect in what is essentially a textbook. For those who wish to dig deeper, the book contains 72 pages of endnotes.
For anyone preaching or teaching Old Testament narratives, this would be an invaluable addition to your library.
The book covers in turn what Pratt considers the three processes of interpretation: preparation (through reliance on the Holy Spirit and human study), investigation (of the writer, the text, and the audience), and application (to both the ancient and the modern world). Each section of the book begins with a synopsis of and an orientation to that particular process. Sixty-six charts or illustrations appear throughout the book to help summarize or illustrate various points.
Under preparation, he covers the influence of Christian living, of interactions in community, and of exegesis. Under investigation, he considers characters, scenes, dramatic flow, large narrative structures, writers and their intentions and audiences, and finishes with an excellent overview of Old Testament narrative history. Finally, under application, he considers application across different eras, different cultures, and to different people.
Each chapter ends with review questions and study exercises, as you would expect in what is essentially a textbook. For those who wish to dig deeper, the book contains 72 pages of endnotes.
For anyone preaching or teaching Old Testament narratives, this would be an invaluable addition to your library.
February 10, 2022
I'm not exactly sure how to review this book because it was just so much. I didn't have a hard time following what he was saying, but I found it overwhelming. Like so overwhelming, I don't feel inspired, I felt like not even trying. I'm just not able to hold onto all he said as I read the Old Testament.
The good part is it made me achingly aware of the need to pray for our pastors and teachers. Their labors are long and hard and demanding. So that is a good byproduct of the book.
One theological warning: the author doesn't hold to truth of God's Impassibility. It wasn't a big part of the book, but I feel the need to point it out.
I'm glad I read this, for sure, I'm just not sure how much I'm going to be able to retain and ultimately use it, which is no fault of the writer. Someone wiser and smarter would probably find it very valuable.
The good part is it made me achingly aware of the need to pray for our pastors and teachers. Their labors are long and hard and demanding. So that is a good byproduct of the book.
One theological warning: the author doesn't hold to truth of God's Impassibility. It wasn't a big part of the book, but I feel the need to point it out.
I'm glad I read this, for sure, I'm just not sure how much I'm going to be able to retain and ultimately use it, which is no fault of the writer. Someone wiser and smarter would probably find it very valuable.
December 22, 2020
The first section was a really helpful section on exegesis as a whole. I really want to remember and refer back to Pratt's spiral of Bible interpretation. His emphasis on the reader's participation in interpretation is balanced and helpful. The final section on application is also really strong and helpful.
The middle section was a description and analysis of the key literary tools used in Hebrew narratives. It essentially read like a middle school literature textbook. It was helpful to have so many examples from OT narratives, but this was a painful section to read.
The middle section was a description and analysis of the key literary tools used in Hebrew narratives. It essentially read like a middle school literature textbook. It was helpful to have so many examples from OT narratives, but this was a painful section to read.
May 22, 2019
This is one of those books that I still have from seminary. I occasionally read it when I want to remember the way the author views the Old Testament. It is an awesome book - if you like outlines of Old Testament books. If you are even a little interested in the Old Testament then this book would be a blessing to read. It is a book that seems to breathe fresh life on the books of the OT that it covers.
June 18, 2020
Even if you aren't an actual "student" of the Old Testament, this book is extremely helpful as you approach it for personal study and a deeper understanding of it. I recommend this book for anyone wishing to have a more in-depth grasp of the Old Testament, the Gospel, and all that God wants to teach about himself in his entire Word.
September 25, 2023
Helpful for those considering how to bridge the hermeneutical gap between the OT and NT. Pratt even provides helpful applications for modern audiences considering the Mosaic law. It can be a bit repetitive towards the end.
August 6, 2024
Read sections of this book for a class. Overall, this is a comprehensive and well written book. My main hesitation is Pratt’s categories are a bit peculiar and hard to remember. It’s not the most recommendable hermeneutics book ever.
Read
July 25, 2020Recomendado para análise das narrativas do Antigo Testamento.
September 7, 2022
Dense and thorough
March 17, 2023
So helpful!
May 30, 2023
Only had to read half the book for my class. The portion I read was very accessible and instructive in how to grasp and teach Old Testament narratives.
October 8, 2024
I read most of it so that counts…
I feel like this is a great toolbox resource I’ll reference from time to time.
I feel like this is a great toolbox resource I’ll reference from time to time.
January 21, 2008
Okay, the book itself is not exciting, but the content is incredibly meaningful. The lessons of this book (helped by lectures from the author) have completely, permanently, reshaped the way I engage with the Old Testament. I certainly don't fully understand everything I read in the OT, but I'm no longer intimidated by some of the most dense passages of OT Scripture. I'd recommend this books for every Christian. It's not your typical seminary book, because it's very accessible writing.
February 9, 2018
A robust framework for interpreting and applying OT narratives. Has given me the tools necessary to understand and apply the OT stories to a modern audience. Although, the 400+ pages could have been abridged to something shorter. Helpful nonetheless.
October 18, 2009
Decent info. Really dry.
January 9, 2011
a must read for someone wanting to understand the Old Testament
November 9, 2011
zzzzzzzzzz
February 9, 2013
If you want to understand the Covenant God we worship you must read this book. At times the author uses too many words to make his point, but other than that it is amazing.
September 21, 2013
Great book! Really brings the Old Testament narratives to life.
April 19, 2014
Um excelente livro de estudos do Antigo Testamento. O autor faz algumas críticas sobre a teologia sistemática de forma muito bem alicerçada e nos encoraja a mudança.
November 13, 2015
Very helpful as a tool to interpret Old Testament narratives.
September 19, 2016
Good stuff here. Helpful info about how to read and interpret historical narratives in the Bible. Good to keep around for reference too.
April 18, 2025
(3.5/5)
Not as helpful as I was hoping for, but still has some good things to consider when interpreting and applying Old Testament narrative.
Not as helpful as I was hoping for, but still has some good things to consider when interpreting and applying Old Testament narrative.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews