Covenant Continuity and Fidelity: A Study of Inner-Biblical Allusion and Exegesis in Malachi

by Jonathan Gibson, Andrew Mein (Editor), Claudia V. Camp (Editor)

The core of Malachi's covenantal imagination is shaped by his reflection on an authoritative collection of source texts in the Hebrew Bible. The mention of people, nations and places, Deuteronomic terminology, and rare words and unique word/root combinations exclusive to Malachi and only a few other texts encourages the book to be read in the context of received biblical traditions and texts.

The diversity of methodologies used previously to analyse Malachi has resulted in confusion about the significance of the inner-biblical connections in the book of Malachi, which Gibson clarifies. His reading frees the text of Malachi from being overburdened by too many “intertexts”, and allows its central message of covenant to arise with greater clarity and force. Gibson reveals how Malachi's connections to earlier source texts are neither random nor causal; rather, they have been strategically employed to inform and shape his central theme of covenant continuity and fidelity.

272 pages, Hardcover

Published September 22, 2016

About the author

Rev. Dr. Jonathan Gibson (PhD, Cambridge University) is associate professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Gibson previously served as associate minister at Cambridge Presbyterian Church in England.

He is a contributor to and co-editor (with David Gibson) of From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective. He is also the author of historical and biblical articles in Themelios, Journal of Biblical Literature, and Tyndale Bulletin, as well as “Obadiah” in the NIV Proclamation Bible. His PhD was published as Covenant Continuity and Fidelity: A Study of Inner-Biblical Allusion and Exegesis in Malachi (Bloomsbury).

Dr. Gibson’s academic interests include biblical theology, covenant theology, Genesis chapters 1–3, inner-biblical allusion and exegesis within the Old Testament, Pauline soteriology, and the doctrines of grace.

Reviews

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though bearing the marks of academic redundancy throughout, this is a lucid, substantive, and illuminating monograph on inner-biblical allusion and exegesis in Malachi. Gibson moves beyond the mere mechanics of identifying cross-correspondence and draws theological conclusions. In sum, Malachi draws from earlier biblical material (largely from the Law and Former Prophets) to enforce the continuity of God’s holy character and the covenant between God and His chosen people. Because God does not change and His covenant (of grace) is in force, the unfaithful people must remember the things they have previously received and repent unto restoration of right relationship with God.

[John Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have especially enjoyed this as a resource for studying the covenants referenced in Malachi and as well as understanding Malachi better as a whole. I have used it in sermon prep for a sermon series on Malachi. It is thoroughly done and argued well.

[Charles Musil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful on methodology for the field of inner-biblical allusion.

[Ray Clendenen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent study of Malachi's use of prior Scriptures. It is essential for a full understanding of Malachi's message and theology. I agreed with his analysis most of the time. Especially helpful is his detailed critique of arguments for Mal 3:22-24 as late addition to the book.