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The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made
The Old Testament is the story of God's promises to his people. Below its somewhat obscure surface is hidden magnificent truth about the love and power of God. Throughout its pages the reader can find promise after promise from God, all of which are fulfilled in the New Testament-in the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
Author Mark Dever introduces readers to the Old Testament as a glorious whole so that they are able to see the big picture of the majesty of God and the wonder of his promises.
Author Mark Dever introduces readers to the Old Testament as a glorious whole so that they are able to see the big picture of the majesty of God and the wonder of his promises.
1108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
41 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Mark Dever
119 books320 followersMark E. Dever serves as the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. Since his ordination to the ministry in 1985, Dr. Dever has served on the pastoral staffs of four churches, the second being a church he planted in Massachusetts. Prior to moving to Washington in 1994, Dr. Dever taught for the faculty of Divinity at Cambridge University while serving two years as an associate pastor of Eden Baptist Church.
In an effort to build biblically faithful churches in America, Dr. Dever serves as the executive director for 9Marks (formerly The Center for Church Reform, CCR) in Washington, D.C. 9Marks encourages pastors of local churches look to the Bible for instruction on how to organize and lead their churches. Dr. Dever also teaches periodically at various conferences, speaking everywhere from South Africa to Brazil to the United Kingdom to Alabama. Feeling a deep burden for student ministry, Dr. Dever often addresses student ministry groups at campuses throughout the country. He has also taught at a number of seminaries, including Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, AL, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. Dr. Dever’s scholarly interests include Puritanism and ecclesiology.
Dr. Dever currently serves as a trustee of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; he also serves as a member of the board, vice-chairman, and chairman of the Forum for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. From 1995 until 2001, he served on the steering committee for Founders Ministries, a pastoral movement for biblical teaching and healthy church life within the Southern Baptist Convention. As Guest Senate Chaplain for two weeks in 1995, Dr. Dever opened the daily sessions of the United States Senate in prayer. He is a member of the American Society of Church History and the Tyndale Fellowship. He also held the J.B. Lightfoot Scholarship at Cambridge University from 1989 to 1991.
In an effort to build biblically faithful churches in America, Dr. Dever serves as the executive director for 9Marks (formerly The Center for Church Reform, CCR) in Washington, D.C. 9Marks encourages pastors of local churches look to the Bible for instruction on how to organize and lead their churches. Dr. Dever also teaches periodically at various conferences, speaking everywhere from South Africa to Brazil to the United Kingdom to Alabama. Feeling a deep burden for student ministry, Dr. Dever often addresses student ministry groups at campuses throughout the country. He has also taught at a number of seminaries, including Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, AL, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. Dr. Dever’s scholarly interests include Puritanism and ecclesiology.
Dr. Dever currently serves as a trustee of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; he also serves as a member of the board, vice-chairman, and chairman of the Forum for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. From 1995 until 2001, he served on the steering committee for Founders Ministries, a pastoral movement for biblical teaching and healthy church life within the Southern Baptist Convention. As Guest Senate Chaplain for two weeks in 1995, Dr. Dever opened the daily sessions of the United States Senate in prayer. He is a member of the American Society of Church History and the Tyndale Fellowship. He also held the J.B. Lightfoot Scholarship at Cambridge University from 1989 to 1991.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 12, 2014
This volume is really a collection of sermons edited into book format. The sermons were originally presented between Sept. of 1996 and Dec. of 2003, iirc.
Honestly, I really feel you can discern the increasing quality of Mark Dever's preaching ability as you advance through the sermons. Perhaps that is one of the reasons that I find perhaps the best treatments to be those chapters dealing with the minor prophets at the end of the book. They are the reason this book almost made 4 stars, otherwise it is a very solid 3. Single-sermon "flyovers" of entire books can be very helpful, but, honestly, some of the OT books are just too large to satisfactorily accomplish that goal, and that is often where this book suffers the most, even at over 900 pages.
Recommended for those who are interested in learning more about the Old Testament books but who are leery of stepping into more comprehensive commentaries.
Honestly, I really feel you can discern the increasing quality of Mark Dever's preaching ability as you advance through the sermons. Perhaps that is one of the reasons that I find perhaps the best treatments to be those chapters dealing with the minor prophets at the end of the book. They are the reason this book almost made 4 stars, otherwise it is a very solid 3. Single-sermon "flyovers" of entire books can be very helpful, but, honestly, some of the OT books are just too large to satisfactorily accomplish that goal, and that is often where this book suffers the most, even at over 900 pages.
Recommended for those who are interested in learning more about the Old Testament books but who are leery of stepping into more comprehensive commentaries.
April 15, 2020
It’s really hard to craft a sermon as an overview of an entire book of the Bible and that is where this book falters. It’s a mix of historical information, gospel, forced connections to Christ (because it’s weak on redemptive history), glawspel, and flat moralism. I doubt Nehemiah was given to us to teach 8 points of leadership or Jonah to confront the storms in our lives.
Dever constantly uses the threat of the final judgment to increase obedience and holiness. This is a page straight out of Richard Baxter. For Christians, our final judgement happened on the cross. If Christ has erased the penalty of the law and granted us a positive righteousness before God, what, exactly, could we possibly we judged for? Since Dever claims heritage to the Reformation he would do well to study the Reformed position on this as articulated in the Reformed confessions.
In the end, pass. I forced myself to finish it because I do not like not finishing books I started. If you are like that then let me save you the trouble; don’t start.
Dever constantly uses the threat of the final judgment to increase obedience and holiness. This is a page straight out of Richard Baxter. For Christians, our final judgement happened on the cross. If Christ has erased the penalty of the law and granted us a positive righteousness before God, what, exactly, could we possibly we judged for? Since Dever claims heritage to the Reformation he would do well to study the Reformed position on this as articulated in the Reformed confessions.
In the end, pass. I forced myself to finish it because I do not like not finishing books I started. If you are like that then let me save you the trouble; don’t start.
December 29, 2020
“Promises Made” is a collection of sermons—one sermon per book of the Old Testament. Each chapter is an overview of the book, given in sermon form. On its face, the idea is an interesting one. Preaching through an entire book gives the listener, or in this case, reader, an opportunity to look at the primary messages present in the book, and get a flavor for each. Archiving all of the sermons in book form provides an overview of all of the books.
However, the end result is not quite so approachable, or usable. The book is 960 pages long, with each chapter being approximately 20 pages, regardless of the length of the book.
I’m not sure what the intended audience of a book like this would be. Anyone willing to read through a 960 page book is likely to have already read through the Old Testament—likely many times.
Personally, I found it easier to listen to the sermon, than to read it. The chapters, while serving as good overviews, are just not that satisfying. Chapters for long books are necessarily too short, due to the length constraints.
There is much to praise in the book—the theology is good, many of the applications are pastoral and well thought-out. But the format of the book is not especially conducive to what the book is presumably meant to accomplish—namely familiarity with the Old Testament. It is simply too long as a whole, and too short in addressing big books.
However, the end result is not quite so approachable, or usable. The book is 960 pages long, with each chapter being approximately 20 pages, regardless of the length of the book.
I’m not sure what the intended audience of a book like this would be. Anyone willing to read through a 960 page book is likely to have already read through the Old Testament—likely many times.
Personally, I found it easier to listen to the sermon, than to read it. The chapters, while serving as good overviews, are just not that satisfying. Chapters for long books are necessarily too short, due to the length constraints.
There is much to praise in the book—the theology is good, many of the applications are pastoral and well thought-out. But the format of the book is not especially conducive to what the book is presumably meant to accomplish—namely familiarity with the Old Testament. It is simply too long as a whole, and too short in addressing big books.
July 17, 2020
Promises made.
I read this book (collection of sermons) after reading the New Testament rendition.
Dever is able to craftily, clearly, and concisely give a bird’s eye view of each Old Testament book by extracting the meaning of each book in sermon form and intent (not just bible study-esque overview) and having it it work in tandem with the overall message of the meta narrative of scripture which finds its zenith in the gospel of Christ.
Also, I like the discussion questions at the end. Thought provoking and relevant.
I recommend both books. Read it with someone. And don’t rush it.
I read this book (collection of sermons) after reading the New Testament rendition.
Dever is able to craftily, clearly, and concisely give a bird’s eye view of each Old Testament book by extracting the meaning of each book in sermon form and intent (not just bible study-esque overview) and having it it work in tandem with the overall message of the meta narrative of scripture which finds its zenith in the gospel of Christ.
Also, I like the discussion questions at the end. Thought provoking and relevant.
I recommend both books. Read it with someone. And don’t rush it.
November 12, 2017
It is his series of sermons through every OT book. Excellent for someone wanting an in depth overview or, like me, teaching a series on each book. He clearly explains how the gospel is woven throughout each book.
November 5, 2014
This is a collection of sermon overviews on each book of the Old Testament that Dever preached at Capitol Hill Baptist Church some years ago. I read them while reading through the OT chronologically, and I found the sermons helpful to read as I started each new book. In most cases, Dever zooms out and breaks the book down into logical sections, finding main points from each section. He also provides some historical context and the book's relation in time to other books, this is helpful when looking at the minor prophets. Dever's sermons are fairly lengthy, he does not subscribe to Alistair Begg's notion that an expository sermon should be delivered in under 30 minutes. Perhaps most helpful are the study questions at the end, they are very thought-provoking/challenging. The sermons are intended for his local congregation, so there is some context there as well-- plenty of references to New England, for example. In many cases, Dever avoids getting into the meaning of prophecy or relating various viewpoints. The sermon on Zechariah was, according to him, his first on the book. The leadership sermon on Daniel is quite good. Dever does a good job of finding Jesus in the Old Testament, particularly. Apparently at Capitol Hill if the morning sermon is OT, the evening one will be a parallel passage in the NT-- at least that was his stated practice when he was preaching these.
I highlighted dozens of passages, too many to list here. I give it 4 stars out of 5. It is just one guy's sermons, after all.
I highlighted dozens of passages, too many to list here. I give it 4 stars out of 5. It is just one guy's sermons, after all.
January 20, 2020
I wanted to read the book to get a deeper understanding of the old testament, and I did not get disappointed. While I highly recommend this book, there are a few things which should be considered before buying this book.
The book is a collection of sermons, which from time to time becomes too clear. For example, Mark sometimes discusses the recent events, things which might not have stuck to your mind since it now is many years since they happened. Another example is that all books get approximately the same amount of space, something which feels a little odd considering that for example Psalms is a whole lot longer than for example Obadiah. This makes it feel like a very brief overview for Psalms for example, while Obadiah gets a "normal" sermon.
Another thing is that it doesn't need to be read from start to finish, but every chapter is its own story. It is therefore perfect for people who want to get an overview of a certain book, for example when the pastor starts a new sermon series.
The book is a collection of sermons, which from time to time becomes too clear. For example, Mark sometimes discusses the recent events, things which might not have stuck to your mind since it now is many years since they happened. Another example is that all books get approximately the same amount of space, something which feels a little odd considering that for example Psalms is a whole lot longer than for example Obadiah. This makes it feel like a very brief overview for Psalms for example, while Obadiah gets a "normal" sermon.
Another thing is that it doesn't need to be read from start to finish, but every chapter is its own story. It is therefore perfect for people who want to get an overview of a certain book, for example when the pastor starts a new sermon series.
July 28, 2025
This book has gotten a lot of critiques, and I understand their points well; I actually largely agree with them. But for whatever reason, this was really good in my opinion. The book is composed of sermons Dever preached over the course of several years, giving space for one sermon per book of the Old Testament. If you listen to the sermons online, which I did, they are almost verbatim what you find in the text, so pick your method of reading or listening.
In any case, the sermons were very good and worth your time. The deficiencies of trying to cover an entire book in one sermon are evident, but there are things (as Francis Schaeffer pointed out) that you will only get from reading a book all the way through, rather than a few chapters here and there.
In any case, the sermons were very good and worth your time. The deficiencies of trying to cover an entire book in one sermon are evident, but there are things (as Francis Schaeffer pointed out) that you will only get from reading a book all the way through, rather than a few chapters here and there.
December 13, 2020
God is a God who makes (and keeps) promises!
This book is a collection of sermons preached by the author in Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington DC, intermittently over the years 1996 to 2003. Yet, there is a consistency of approach, quality of writing, and unity.
I used this work (and its New Testament counterpart) to support my annual reading of the Bible and found it very helpful. I wholeheartedly recommend this volume to everyone!
A 5-star read!
This book is a collection of sermons preached by the author in Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington DC, intermittently over the years 1996 to 2003. Yet, there is a consistency of approach, quality of writing, and unity.
I used this work (and its New Testament counterpart) to support my annual reading of the Bible and found it very helpful. I wholeheartedly recommend this volume to everyone!
A 5-star read!
November 14, 2018
This is a fantastic expositional overview of the entire Old Testament! I learned so much from Dr. Dever. He is a great communicator and gospel-centered expositor. He walks through and unpacks the Pentateuch, The Historical Books, The Books of Wisdom, The Major and Minor Prophets. I highly recommend this written collection of sermons collected in this book!
September 22, 2023
Many people think Old Testament is useless for us after New Testament was written. It seems hard to understand. Enter - Dever's book (a compilation of sermons). He will guide you through every book of the Old Testament, helping you see the main thought in each of the books and their relevance to us today.
August 14, 2017
I read this as part of my through the Bible reading plan. Each time I completed a book of the Bible, I read the corresponding chapter in this book. Very helpful. I plan to do the same with The Message of the New Testament.
August 13, 2018
This book is a compilation of 39 sermons on each of the books of the OT. Each sermon provides a good, helpful overview of the content and theology of each OT book as well as practical application.
March 14, 2019
Wonderful high level overview of every book of the old testament.
May 4, 2021
Very helpful book. I wish I could remember every sermon, but I loved seeing how the gospel was central to every message.
June 23, 2022
Read contribution of Judges.
April 22, 2024
Sermons preached by Mark Dever giving overviews of each book of the Old Testament. Helpful and enjoyable
March 28, 2018
Amazing resource
October 10, 2025
While I really enjoyed his NT commentary, this one was very… judgy. There were times I actually had to quit reading because it got so bad that. He was not coming from a loving standpoint at all with this commentary; it was “You are doing something wrong; you have idols and you need to get rid of them.” In fact one section, he said “Cut that cable bill,” not once, but twice! Like he doesn’t believe it’s okay to watch tv. Then at the end he apparently regularly encourages his church to not only tithe ten percent but pray about giving more. Like isn’t that a bit legalistic? I could definitely tell these were sermons and they weren’t loving sermons at that. I get that from the context the Israelites at that time were in a very bad place but still, you don’t have to be so harsh about your judgment. The only reason for two stars was the Pentateuch section was great.
September 1, 2016
I started reading this to get an overall big picture of the Old Treatment and its meaning in regards to Jesus. It is a good read. Kinda long and dry at times. Overall I did learn things though. That said... I would much rather listen to Mosaic Church (Orlando) sermons on walking through the Bible or even Summit Church (Durham) sermons on walking through the Bible. Looking into the book Seamless next that ties the whole Bible
together.
together.
November 19, 2012
A good resource to accompany one's reading of Old Testament books. Originally these chapters were sermons that dealt with whole books which is to say they steer away from highly technical features in favor of brief historical notes (Dever did his doctorate in history at Cambridge) and pastoral elements.
June 15, 2017
Nobody does exposition of long passages like Dever. These are simply the expositions of every book of the Bible. If you want to save money, though, just listen to them on the church website or the Gospel Coalition.
July 26, 2015
Have finally finished this, after working slowly through it over the past few years. It is a collection of sermons that succeed marvelously in showing how the Old Testament books describe God, His will for all humankind, and the great Priest-King to come.
July 28, 2011
Read this for class. It has tons of good stuff. I will use it in the future.
September 6, 2012
Dever helps you to see God's operation in every book of the Old Testament, reminding us that the Bible is about Him and not us.
February 3, 2018
A good book. The chapters are helpful introductions and overviews to the biblical text. I'd recommend using it more as a reference than as something to read cover to cover.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews