Scripture's Use of Scripture in the Old Testament: Three Instincts for Identifying Allusions

by Matthew Swale

Readers of the Old Testament often notice similarities between two texts, but are they intentional or imagined connections? Because the Old Testament does not usually signal its use of Scripture as explicitly as the New Testament (e.g., “It is written”), the task calls for unique instincts. After explaining why and how the Old Testament uses other Old Testament texts, this book equips readers with a three-part method to move beyond hunches to interpreting the Old Testament’s beautiful interconnections. Rather than offering rigid steps, the proposed method trains readers with the instincts needed to identify, verify, and enjoy Old Testament allusions. 

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2026

Reviews

[Charles Musil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swale has written a helpful and enjoyable introduction to the murky field of inner-biblical allusion in the OT. I wish this book would have been around when I first began my PhD program!

[Nathan Battey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal read from cover to cover. The author set out to write a layman’s volume similar to Greg Lanier’s Old Made New and has fully achieved his goal. A must read for intermediate level students who want/need to be introduced to the Old Testament’s use of the Old Testament. Furthermore, Swale provides an excellent argument and methodology for determining the relevancy of biblical allusions.

Five out of five stars and the highest of recommendations.

[Ross Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swale's book serves church members, pastors, Bible teachers, and students with three instincts (one they already use!) to identify allusions in the OT (works for the NT too). The book is personable and easy to read. Swale includes charts to demonstrate concepts, and he includes a case study to bring everything home. I'm recommending this book to my pastor and elders.