Interpreting the Historical Books: An Exegetical Handbook

Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis

by Robert B. Chisholm Jr., David M. Howard Jr. (Series Editor)

The Old Testament displays a remarkable literary and theological unity through a variety of genres. But applying a single, one-size-fits-all method of exegesis can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. A valuable reference tool for students and pastors, the Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis (HOTE) series provides readers with an enhanced understanding of different Old Testament genres and strategies for interpretation. The inaugural volume in the HOTE series, Interpreting the Historical Books begins by exploring the components of narrative-setting, characterization, and plot-and then develops the major theological themes in each of the Old Testament historical books (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther). As readers work through Interpreting the Historical Books, they will begin to see and interpret the narrative writings as the writings were intended to be understood. A glossary defining technical words and samples of moving from exegesis to proclamation make this handbook practical and user-friendly. All written by accomplished teacher-scholars at leading evangelical schools, forthcoming handbooks include the following: Interpreting the Psalms Mark D. Futato (Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando) Interpreting the Prophets Michael A. Grisanti (The Master's Seminary) Interpreting the Wisdom Literature Richard L. Schultz (Wheaton College) Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature Richard A. Taylor (Dallas Theological Seminary) Interpreting the Pentateuch Peter T. Vogt (Bethel Seminary)

Genres: Biblical Studies, Reference, Old Testament

232 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2006

About the author

While Dr. Chisholm enjoys teaching the full breadth of Old Testament Studies, he takes special delight in the major and minor prophets. He can take the intricacies of those books and communicate them for marketplace use, as evidenced in his published texts on the prophetic literature. Dr. Chisholm recently published Handbook on the Prophets. He was the translation consultant for the International Children’s Bible and for The Everyday Bible, and is senior Old Testament editor for the NET Bible.

Reviews

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book exceeded my expectation. I really enjoyed this book on interpreting the historical narratives found in the Old Testament. Some people might not think of hermeneutics as “fun” but this really was fun to read. It was also helpful for me too. I think the book was a rare combination of being meaty and yet insightful into the Scriptures that makes readers excited to want to read the Old Testament.
The book is divided into six chapters. The first chapter focuses on what is narrative literature with the breakdown on what are the elements of narratives and interpretative principles that are conscious of them. The second chapter is on the primary themes of the historical books while the third chapter is on the preparing for interpretation. Chapter four is titled “interpreting narrative texts,” chapter five is “proclaiming narrative text” and chapter six is “From Text to Application: Two Samples.”
I enjoyed the first two chapters very much. Chapter one had a many examples given by the author of how being conscious of the elements of narrative contribute to one’s interpretation of the text. The author Robert Chisholm then devoted the second chapter on the primary themes of the historical books. I appreciated Chisholm going over what the individual historical books in the Old Testament were about. It is important that a book on interpreting the historical books not just be a book on principles, methods and rules of interpretation but also gives the readers what are the actual content, the actual themes found in the books itself. This provides the important bigger picture for interpreting specific passages. Of all the books surveyed it was Chisholm’s analysis of 1-2 Samuel that the author devotes the most space to, given how it lays the theological significance of the Davidic covenant with all that follows chronologically after these two books. Again, this was a very well done chapter, and Chisholm lays out his materials in an orderly manner beginning with a book’s primary themes, the way the book is organized followed by a summary of the book’s overall purpose. Here I admit that I’m not as strong in the Old Testament as I would like to be and I learn some basic facts I never knew before, such as 1-2 Chronicles presents a more optimistic and hopeful view of events and person so as to encourage the original readers who were set in post-Exilic times that God hasn’t forgotten nor abandon them because of the Davidic Covenant.
Here are also some quick highlights of what I enjoyed from the book:
• Very good example of dealing with the problem of God’s omniscience when there’s stories of God that seems that He is not on pages 65-68.
• In the end of chapter three there is an incredibly helpful bibliographical aid that suggests and survey the best commentaries, literary studies and other sources on the studies of the historical books in the Old Testament.
• I appreciated chapter six giving us a more detailed samples of going from text to applications. I liked how the principles of interpretation given earlier in the book is exactly the template the author uses in interpreting and drawing out application from his examples of Old Testament historical narratives. I thought his discussion on Ruth chapter one stood out among the two samples he gave.
• The author had a helpful glossary that’s worth remember to use as a reference.
• The author has an excellent discussion about harmonizing and dealing with apparent contradictions in which the author warned us not to be overly simplistic in attempting to harmonize the texts while also not becoming theologically problematic in doubting the integrity of God’s Word.
This was a wonderful book I recommend for preachers, pastors and teachers of God’s Word. I also think Christian apologists can also benefit from this book.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Kregel Publications without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book to read. Learning about all the techniques of interpreting these different books was truly a blessing. It is clear and easy to understand and use. The examples within this book show how easy it is for people to be able to misinterpret a text. However, as long as a person sticks to the rules of this book, they will be fine.

[Mitch Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful! I plan to use this for the rest of my life in ministry and has encouraged me to buy and read the others in the series.

[Seth Channell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful for sermon prep on historical books of the Bible.

[Jeff Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource!

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful handbook to the basics of interpretation narrative. For it's short length, Chisholm covers a lot of ground. Something that I especially appreciated about this one was it's concise overview of each historical book (which were limited to noting only themes and purpose of each book). I've liked all of these handbooks from Kregel press, this was my second one reading. I am inclined to read the others as well.

[Drew Correll · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good academic read. I always appreciate learning about the narrative features within scripture. Specifically this is about the historical books which I am not super familiar with but it gives a great guide to begin interpretation while also gives key literary elements to each book from Joshua-Esther.

[Mitchell Traver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid resource. Would recommend as with most of Chisolm’s stuff. Main gripes (reflecting three star review) are somewhat par for the course: dry reading experience and dispensational leanings show up here and there.

If you’re a student or are teaching on the historical books, this one is worth a spot on the shelf.

[JR Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful interpretive handbook. Assigned for the online Joshua-Esther Class at RTS Global. Chapters 5 and 6, which really synthesize the exegetical spadework done earlier, is worth the price of the book.

[Tobi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some helpful insight occasionally.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable. I know that this will continue to be a helpful resource for me for future teaching as well as my own personal studies.

[Brendyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth reading.