Engaging the Old Testament: How to Read Biblical Narrative, Poetry, and Prophecy Well - Paperback

by Dominick S. Hernández (Author)

This introductory textbook invites students into the depths and riches of the Old Testament and shows the Old Testament's relevance for Christian readers. Rising Latino evangelical Old Testament scholar Dominick Hernández demonstrates how to read Old Testament texts well and put the ancient written word into practice in our day and age.

Hernández shows that four core commitments put readers on the right trajectory for reading and applying the Old Testament to their lives: (1) reading humbly, (2) reading successively, (3) reading entirely, and (4) reading deliberately. Students will learn how to become better readers of the text and how to read select Old Testament passages well, paying attention to how the biblical authors used rhetorical techniques to provoke readers to action.

Back Jacket

"Provides all the tools necessary to begin reading--really reading--the Old Testament"

This introductory textbook invites us to explore the depths and riches of the Old Testament and demonstrates its relevance for Christian readers.

"This is a creative introduction to how to read the Old Testament well as an ancient text for today. Not overly technical, this helpful tool by an important Latino Old Testament scholar should serve a wide audience."
--M. Daniel Carroll R., Wheaton College and Graduate School

"In this creative and helpful book, Hernández encourages us to approach the Old Testament as an honored conversation partner, listening carefully to what it has to say. With chapters covering much of the content of the Old Testament and analogies drawn from literature, this book demonstrates what riches we can gain through genuine engagement of the Old Testament."
--Sara M. Koenig, Seattle Pacific University

"What a delightful book! Well-written, honest, and approachable, it both forms and informs its readers, so that they may engage Old Testament texts in all of their literary artistry and theological depth. Hernández meets beginning students where they are and provides all the tools necessary to begin reading--really reading--the Old Testament."
--Michelle Knight, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"This book is exemplary. Hernández combines clear and careful exegesis with an infectious enthusiasm for reading the Old Testament, conveyed in fresh and lively prose peppered with literary and cultural references."
--Will Kynes, Samford University

"Hernández provides expert guidance in understanding narrative, poetry, and prophecy. This is not an ordinary textbook because it not only provides wise guidance for beginners but also offers bold interpretations that will provoke the most experienced reader to reflect anew on the biblical text. An ideal textbook both for new students and for those who want something fresh and challenging."
--Thomas R. Schreiner, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"This book will become a standard for introductions of the Bible for years to come."
--Seth D. Postell, Israel College of the Bible

"This book should be read by all interpreters who wish to take the Old Testament seriously."
--Andrew M. King, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College

Author Biography

Dominick S. Hernández (PhD, Bar-Ilan University) is associate professor of Old Testament and Semitics at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California. He previously taught at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Moody Bible Institute, and Israel College of the Bible. Hernández preaches and gives seminars and is the author of four books. He has also served in English, Spanish, and Hebrew-language ministries in the United States and abroad.