A House for My Name: A Survey of the Old Testament

by Peter J. Leithart

The best stories subtly weaves themes and characters and symbols into a stunning final tapestry. This Old Testament survey, written for family and classroom reading, reveals the rich weave that makes Scripture the Story of stories.

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

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2000

About the author

Peter Leithart received an A.B. in English and History from Hillsdale College in 1981, and a Master of Arts in Religion and a Master of Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 1986 and 1987. In 1998 he received his Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge in England. He has served in two pastorates: He was pastor of Reformed Heritage Presbyterian Church (now Trinity Presbyterian Church), Birmingham, Alabama from 1989 to 1995, and was founding pastor of Trinity Reformed Church, Moscow, Idaho, and served on the pastoral staff at Trinity from 2003-2013. From 1998 to 2013 he taught theology and literature at New St. Andrews College, Moscow, Idaho, where he continues to teach as an adjunct Senior Fellow. He now serves as President of Trinity House in Alabama, where is also resident Church Teacher at the local CREC church. He and his wife, Noel, have ten children and five grandchildren.

Reviews

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Leithart has written a magnificent survey of the Old Testament that explores the typology and symbolism in the Bible that most contemporary theologians don't seem to grasp. There is a fundamental gap in the way the modern church interprets the Bible--specifically the Old Testament. Most modern interpreters have a very one dimensional, or flat reading of the Old Testament specifically, that makes the Old Testament difficult to understand, and difficult to engage.

These modern interpreters do very little with the richly symbolic world of the Old Testament, leaving important questions unasked and many others unanswered. Granted, this is a bit of a broad brush, yes, but outside of James Jordan, the only other writer I've read that approaches Scripture in a remotely similar way, is Vern Poythress in his "The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses".

This book moves quickly and covers large portions of Scripture in less than three hundred pages. The book is essentially a survey of the Old Testament, which may not seem all that engaging, but most readers will find Leithart has many "new" things to say about it--things most of us have never before heard. What is new is the depth of the symbolism, repeated themes that add new dimensions with each retelling, more satisfactory explanations about particular stories we all think we know, and so on.

In the introduction, Leithart calls this book "Through New Eyes" for dummies, but that is a gross oversimplification. "Through New Eyes" by James Jordan gives us the tools for trying to do what Leithart does in this book, but here, Leithart helps us understand how to use those tools.

More importantly, as Jordan does in his work, Leithart helps us see that there is far more to the Bible than we've ever realized. He shows us the gold below the surface of the text that is there for those willing to dig into God's Word deeply.

I bought this book years ago, I wish I'd read it years ago. Do yourself a favor and read this book as soon as you possibly can.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite wonderful...lots of aha! moments. There were some points I didn't quite buy (the Jordan/Leithart take on Mordecai, for instance), but there was way too much gold here to fuss about any wee bits of dross. I'll be revisiting this one to give myself a better chance of remembering some of the details.

Wade Stotts did a great job on the narration, but he needs to immerse himself in a good audio Bible to get a better grasp of the pronunciation of biblical names.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this book so much. One of my favorites, and definitely the best introduction to the OT world.

[Grant Van Brimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I will refer back to this book many times. The most enjoyable and insightful OT survey I've read. Highly recommend.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Peter Leithart has written an excellent book, one that shows you both the "woof" and the "warp" of scripture. It seems often we view scripture in one-dimensional Bible story form, but rarely compare across the entire span of Biblical scripture. Leithart shows how this view can show you amazing truths. Have you ever thought how many times you see women at wells? Think of Rebecca, Isaac's wife. Think of the daughters of Midian when Moses came to their rescue. Think of the Samaritan woman at the well who spoke with Jesus. This is just one example of dozens that are found in Leithart's book. HIGHLY recommended, I will be reading and using this book in the future as we study scriptures!

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book. Okay, okay, that thar last chapter definitely has some unhelpful ecclesial implications, but man this book is amazing. I have revisited the themes in this book and read through the Bible with those themes in mind. It's simply amazing. Even this time there were things I noticed that I didn't get before: the "revival" among the Jews in the later epistles, the covenantal change of guard in John, Abraham and Joshua's "conquests" of Canaan, Elijah and Elisha literally following in Moses and Joshua's footsteps (how could I have forgotten?), and Jeremiah's exodus? There is so much: the book is chock full of small sentences that hint at something deeper. This is also Peter Leithart at his sanest, taking Jordan and, like a child, getting a kick out of all the cool stuff that just has to be true. Delivered from the Elements has some good stuff, but I think the more macro it got, the farther from the text it got: whereas here everything is closely connected to the text. Israel as Adam, Israel as blessing to the nations (Gentiles), Israel as Jesus--it's all here, and virtually all of it I can affirm. I'll have to put qualifications on my likings of Leithart these days (see my reviews of Baptized Body and Against Christianity). But my passion for his typology and literary skill remains, like Moses, undimmed. I want to meditate on this kind of thing day and night, and to teach it to my children after me.

Older:
Opened my eyes to the Bible. My first time through was a series of epiphanies. I'm glad I read Deep Exegesis beforehand though.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to contemplate the tapestry of scripture in a brand new way? Pick up this book and see how the characters and symbols in the Old Testament are a prelude to the New Testament. God started building His house at the beginning of time. He continues that work in His church. This book lends itself to classroom and home Bible study use with recap questions and deeper questions throughout. Once you read this book, you will view scripture with fresh eyes. "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me . . ." (John 5:39)

[Lara Ryd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Leithart’s prose is clear and vivid. He does a wonderful job laying out the narrative of the Old Testament and showing how Christ fulfills nearly every patriarch and prophet in Israel’s history (far more than I knew!). He points out so many beautiful role reversals, repetitions, and allusions that I’ve never noticed before. A critical book for understanding the narrative unity of Scripture and appreciating its literary intricacy.

[Zack Clemmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Bible evidences itself to be God’s Word by the heavenliness of its doctrine, the unity of its parts, and its power to convert sinners and to edify saints.”

We do not deserve Holy Scripture. Thanks be to God for Holy Scripture.

[Jake Litwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read. Most OT surveys tend to be very dry. Far from it with Leithart’s A House For My Name. Lots of great insights and very well written. Highly recommend.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next time someone asks me for a helpful, and brief, introduction to the Old Testament, I will point them to this book. He covers all the major events and people. He interweaves theology with history and narrative. He points readers to NT fulfillments in Christ. And he does so in such a readable style that you could hand this book to anyone from a high schooler to a retiree. Well done.

[Peter Krol · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful to read to my kids and then discuss the questions together. Provides a wonderful sense of the big-picture of the Old Testament and how the larger narrative fits together and leads to Christ.

[Tim Zornes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leithart has really good insights on the Old Testament and it's structure. Sometimes he gets a little to poetic with his connections for my comfort, but is very Spurgeonesque in this regard.

[Peter Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to the Old Testament. My ten and eleven year old boys read it with profit.

[Mason Sherrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️ woah did I learn a lot reading this book! The biblical theology Leithart presents through the Old Testament is just amazing. I was specifically captivated when he discusses the stories of Moses, Esther and John. I was blown away not by his wild twisting of those stories but rather his illuminations of texts that I’ve read with frequency and never seen the biblical thread lying there all along. This is a dense read and it’s not the easiest to follow especially if you’re listening to the audio. I highly recommend this book as a study. It includes wonderful summary and thought questions periodically throughout each chapter. He even mentions in the intro this is really meant to be read and discussed around the dinner table with your kids old and young alike. After reading, I think that would be a splendid setting to slowly chip away at this book.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty terrific summary of the books and themes of the Old Testament. Leithart is incredibly easy to read and follow and is able to get to the meat quickly. Certainly, I had a few “yeah, but” moments as I read through this work, but nothing egregious. After running the thread from Genesis to Malachi, Leithart ties it all together in the final chapter by looking forward to the New Testament fulfillment of the Old Testament promises.

[Abigail Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wished that I had read this book faster. I think the themes and main points of the book would have stuck with me better.
I think I want to read it again in the future to try to fully grasp and comprehend it. (Ideally not when I’m newly postpartum).

[Shea Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this on the Canon+ app and thoroughly enjoyed it! A lovely survey on the old testament and showing how the whole story connects and culminates in Jesus. Really want to get a physical copy of this and go through it more slowly with my family.

[Sydney Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and its implications totally changed the way I view the Bible as a whole and many of the books of the Old Testament.

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew that a 20-year-old book with such an uninspiring cover and prosaic title could be so riveting? This book is a gem, making the sweep of the Old Testament come alive and the connections rich and evocative.

[Shaina Herrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

I plan to revisit this book as often as possible. I’ll probably start it again in the fall when we begin the full Bible reading challenge!

[Daniel Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for all Christian teachers and pastors, as well as for anyone who wants to see the big picture of the Old Testament. Peter Leithart writes in a way that is accessible and thought-provoking.

[David Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Will return to this book often.

[Ryan Handermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading through this again for a class I am teaching. This book represents that rare convergence of scholarly knowledge, radical insight, clear communication, and inspirational reading. If the Old Testament seems banal, blah or boring to you, then you've been reading with your eyes closed. This book does what every good commentary on the Bible should do - it helps you read the Bible.

[Camille Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay 😮‍💨 honestly, this rating is more of a reflection of me and my brain than it is of the content in the book. This was a great book! But understanding what exactly happened in the Old Testament has always been something I’ve struggled with so reading through this book melted my brain many times. Not only does it describe what’s happening throughout the Old Testament but it also makes connections between stories that I had never thought of. I was trying my best to understand every word I was reading and for some reason, that was hard for me. Eventually, I tried to just get the gist of what the author was saying and once I started doing that, it became a much easier read. All that to say, this book probably deserves 4 stars but I don’t feel like I understood it well enough yet to give it that rating. Hopefully I’ll be able to comprehend it more and more each time I read back through it. Definitely planning to reread this book next year!

EDIT: Ok I changed it to 4 stars because I can’t give the same rating to this book and to a couple Goosebumps books; that just doesn’t seem right 😆 still planning to reread next year though!

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leithart presents a thoughtful analysis of the Bible as a chronology of God building a house for Himself amongst His people. The form this house takes changes through the centuries, growing in scope despite the rebelliousness of the Hebrew people. The various exodus's, judgement's and restorations are God's way of showing them who is the real God, who is in charge of their affairs. In whose "home" should they place their faith.The New Testament is the finale of God's work at building His house, with Christ, God in flesh, presenting the New Covenant.

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago ago, but I just now finished working through it with my kids. It's a great book for getting people thinking typologically about the Old Testament.
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Last read in January 2005.

[Robert Godinho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leithart does a great job at explaining the OT in terms that I personally have never read before and points to patterns that have changed the way I read, comprehend and perceive OT scripture. Patterns or models like the 3-story house when viewing the way God created heaven and earth. For example, the universe, heaven -> firmament -> land -> sea. The tabernacle had the courtyard -> holy place -> most holy place. Mt. Sinai had -> the base of the mountain for the people -> the middle for the elders -> to the top of the mountain for Moses. Even the people were setup as the people, the priests and the high priest. This pattern continues throughout the OT. As Paul states in 2 Corinthians 12:2, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago - whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know, only God knows - such a one was caught up to the third heaven.” How the Garden of Eden was set up with the east door leading out of the Garden. The east always was leading the people away and the west was always leading the people back to the Garden of Eden and to the Promise Land, the land of milk and honey in Canaan. The patterns or models always continue in this way throughout the OT. Patterns such as water representing the gentiles, will make the way you read and understand the OT in a totally different way and was not only eye opening to me but it also made me comprehend the OT in a way I’ve never understood before. This made more sense to me when I read Matthew 6:10, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” As I read the OT and the NT, I can see more clearly now, that this has always been the will of God and His Will has always been done “on earth as it is in heaven”.

[Rui Cadima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like others have said, this is a fun (yet sometimes frustrating read). Leithart makes many connections between different books of the Old Testament and I was really excited by some of them (this is the fun bit). But he also makes connections that left me scratching my head because I'm not persuaded that the Biblical author himself was making that connection (this is the frustrating bit). I'm all up for allusions and themes being developed but I want to make those connections according to the purpose of the author. Otherwise, I'm putting words (connections?) into his mouth. So, I needed to be more persuaded of some of the connections Leithart makes.
I think one of the issues with Leithart is that he spots a familiar word in a passage (like "water" in John) and makes connections with different passages from the Old Testament where "water" is meaningful in different ways. I'm not persuaded that we should work and study along those lines. We must allow the text to speak for itself and to make the connections the author wants to make.

Anyway, it was a nice read. I like some of his suggestions regarding structures of some passages. And his writing is quite accessible. I'd just warn the reader to be careful and to read the book critically.

[Lindsay John Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leithart is always stimulating and I highly recommend this book!

I dock a star because he treats the OT books unevenly. At times, he’ll survey a book thoroughly. Other times, in a few paragraphs. Sometimes, he’ll say something about every chapter (or groups of chapters) but at other times entire sections are skipped. Sometimes the book follows canonical order, other times it’s kind of thematic grab-bag. The content thins out the most after Kings, as if he became tired or ran out of time (I suspect this book derived from lectures).

So, sometimes this is a true OT survey but other times it’s more of a biblical-theology of the “house” theme in the OT (and into the NT). Both are good, but it makes for an inconsistent read.

But as always, if Leithart writes it, I want to read it