Wonders from Your Law: Nexus Passages and the Promise of an Exegetical Intertextual Old Testament Theology

by Kevin S. Chen, Stephen G. Dempster (foreword)

400 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2024

About the author

Kevin S. Chen is associate professor of Old Testament at Christian Witness Theological Seminary in San Jose, California. He completed his PhD in biblical studies under the late John Sailhamer at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary and taught for nine years at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He is the author of Eschatological Sanctuary in Exodus 15:17 and Related Texts, and he contributed the study Bible notes on the Old Testament for the Worldview Study Bible.

Reviews

[Lindsay John Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin S. Chen’s subtitle is illuminating: Nexus Passages and the Promise of an Exegetical Intertextual Old Testament Theology. With this title, several things are promised.

This book concerns “nexus” passages, which are key OT texts that are heavy on intertextuality and/or found at compositionally strategic locations. After the first chapter, Chen presents ten case studies of such nexus passages.

The book also explores the potential of “an exegetical intertextual Old Testament theology.” In contrast with a redemptive-historical approach—though not antithetical to it—Chen’s approach is more canonical. Chen’s early chapter on Genesis 1–3 and its influence on “wisdom” literature showcases how a canonical approach balances the weakness of the redemptive-historical, which notoriously overlooks or struggles with these books. In carrying John Sailhamer’s work forward, Chen belongs among scholars like Seth Postell and Michael B. Shepherd.

Chen’s mastery of the Hebrew text is compelling. But this strength can also be a weakness. Chen’s is a kitchen sink approach to intertextuality. He highlights so many connections and quotes so much Hebrew that it becomes overwhelming. Sometimes I don’t know if the Hebrew is quoted because Chen is arguing for something, or if it’s quoted “just because.” And when Chen is suggesting an intertextual connection, so much evidence is presented to me that I struggle to weigh the evidence. Tenuous connections can cast doubt on the stronger ones. Unfortunately, reading became tiresome at points.

That said, I am very sympathetic to Chen’s approach and hermeneutic. However, I differ regarding presuppositions. Chen suggests that it’s better for the Rule of Faith and Christological reading to result from exegesis rather than preempt it. I agree that Christological readings indeed result from the OT’s own inherent meaning, but I believe we must approach the OT with “Christian” presuppositions. Too many scholars fail to see Christ in the OT and one of the greatest solutions is taking seriously inspired NT’s interpretations and how they’re reinforced or developed by the early church. Instead, Chen typically avoids mentioning any NT interpretations of the passages in question, though these could greatly support his work. However, Chen’s approach lies elsewhere so I’m not critiquing so much as I’m highlighting these differences of emphasis. It’s easy to say “what I’d do if it were me,” but in reality, I couldn’t come close to producing such scholarship that we see on display here!

So far I’ve emphasized the subtitle, but want to close with the title: Wonders from Your Law. In this book, we can expect to be amazed through study of God’s word. If you enjoy exegetical deep dives, read this book! Those with patience (and some Hebrew) will be impressed by Chen’s close reading of the text but more importantly the Bible’s own interconnected majesty.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where are the connection points as your read through God’s Word? In Wonders from Your Law, Kevin S. Chen explains nexus passages and the promise of an exegetical intertextual Old Testament theology.

Chen defines nexus passages as highly connected passages in the Bible. The biblical authors connect their texts with purposeful use of words, themes, imagery, plot structures, and coordination with another allusion, literary form, and/or syntax. Chen presents and examines ten nexus passages that help the reader better understand the Old Testament by seeing its internal coherence.


Subway Stations

Chen relates nexus passages to the parent discipline of biblical theology, which has influenced both the origin and development of Old Testament theology. He illustrates the concept of nexus passages with subway stations. In this way, the reader can see different nexus hubs and lines that take you across the entirety of the Bible. Chen also uses the illustration of nexus passages being put together as a three-dimensional puzzle, and putting it together will help you see the whole of Scripture.

This is an academic work, and Chen is thorough in scope and depth. He takes the reader across the Old Testament with four nexus passages from the Pentateuch, three from the Prophets, and three from the Writings. He dives deep into the Biblical Hebrew language to show different connections and nuances. This book is for serious study. I was left beholding the beauty and richness of the Old Testament.


Open Your Eyes

What I found most interesting was the high amount of nexus passages found in passages of poetry and song. This makes sense, as the Hebrew people passed down their history and traditions and would be able to make many connections through words that were easily memorable and shared.

This book is most suitable for professors and pastors who want to examine Scripture through this different framework. Ultimately, Chen paints a marvelous picture of the Messiah. Jesus is the through-line of Scripture, and he holds the text together. To miss him is to miss the point of the entire Bible. Wonders from Your Law will open your eyes to make sure you don’t miss him.


I received a media copy of Wonders From Your Law and this is my honest review.

[Joel Wentz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an extremely well-researched and useful book. The readability takes a hit, as it's quite dry and workman-like in style, and can be hard to get through. The content is rich, though, and will stay on my shelf as a reference.

Full video review here: https://youtu.be/Bai827W5YkU

[Rylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5 stars. Really enjoyable but at times felt a little distracted. Almost too much intertextuality.