The Christ of the Prophets

by O. Palmer Robertson

Book by Robertson, O. Palmer

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Christianity, Old Testament, Christian

553 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2004

About the author

Owen Palmer Robertson (born August 31, 1937) is an American Christian theologian and biblical scholar. He taught at Reformed Theological Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary, Covenant Theological Seminary, Knox Theological Seminary as well as at the African Bible Colleges of Malawi and Uganda. He also served as principal of the latter institution.

Robertson is perhaps best known for his book The Christ of the Covenants. His definition of a biblical covenant being "a bond in blood, sovereignly administered" has been widely discussed.

In 2008, a Festschrift was published in his honor. The Hope Fulfilled: Essays in Honor of O. Palmer Robertson included contributions by Bruce Waltke, Richard Gaffin, Robert L. Reymond and George W. Knight III.

Reviews

[Patrick Schlabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic overview of the Prophetic books of the Old Testament. Robertson focuses on how the themes of exile and restoration were fulfilled for Israel under the Old Covenant. He also shows how these prophetic themes provide a pattern that is anticipated and fulfilled in Christ and the New Covenant. Finally, he shows how exile and restoration provide the expected framework for the future return of Christ. I just wish those obsessed with "end times" speculation or dispensationalist prophetic interpretation would read this book.

[Tyler Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Christ of the Covenants and enjoyed this book almost as much! Robertson makes one of the more difficult sections of the Old Testament come alive. This is a work filled with rich teachings about Christ and academic prowess. The book is very long; some pages could have been spared with less time devoted to paraphrasing the prophets, but since so many today are unfamiliar with their writings, the decision makes sense.

[Kim N' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was extremely helpful in understanding the underlying truths of the prophets message and foundational insights into each prophetic book. It is not an easy read but a very accessible one for the lay believer.

[Garrett Spitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a required read for a recent class that I took. It teetered between academic and sermonic. I feel like I really learned a ton about the literary prophets and how they fit with the New Testament. This book is a great example of reading the OT through the lens of the NT.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal work. Very well written and near exhaustive study of the biblical prophets.

[Kedric Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most majestic books written as an overview of the prophets. If you do not have a good grasp on the concept of exile and restoration, then it’s hard to understand, not only the prophets, but even the New Testament itself. And, in addition, there’s no way that someone can be a dispensationalist (or hold to higher criticism of the OT) after reading O. Palmer Robertson. He just cuts through the muck and gets right to the point. There is no doubt the God of Israel is the God of history, and that he will accomplish what he has started.

[Wassenario · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough with both the major and minor prophets presented. Solidly organized and really enjoyed zooming out and learning more about how all these books fit together and how they contribute to the fullness of Gods Word

[Trenton Cleveland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good albeit thick work on relating the works of the prophets to Christ.

[mpsiple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. Excellent overview of a difficult and misunderstood genre of the Bible. Robertson shows how the prophets' message was always in light of the Law and the Covenant, and that both the exile and coming restoration were God's continuing application of his own prior promises. Recommended for anyone who's asked "what are these books for anyway?"

(It is a bit long and repetitive. Hard to imagine I read the abridged version. But the insights are worth it.)

[Benjamin Glaser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read, but this book is about 150 pages too long. Either it should have been two books (one looking at prophecy in general, the other discussion about the prophets themselves) or edited down a bit, but otherwise ton of great information that will be very helpful.

Highly Recommend.

[Jamie Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot to absorb. This is not a light read!

[Ian Hammond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavy lifting. Appreciated his critique of the canonical approach (of which I largely identify).