Words of Delight: A Literary Introduction to the Bible - Paperback

by Leland Ryken (Author)

In this introduction to Scripture, Leland Ryken organizes biblical passages into literary genres including narratives, poetry, proverbs, and drama, demonstrating that knowledge of a genre's characteristics enriches one's understanding of individual passages.

Ryken offers a volume brimming over with wonderful insights into Old and New Testament books and passages--insights that have escaped most traditional commentators.

Back Jacket

In this comprehensive introduction to Scripture, Leland Ryken organizes biblical passages into literary genres including narratives, poetry, proverbs, and drama, demonstrating that knowledge of a genre's characteristics enriches one's understanding of individual passages. Ryken offers a volume brimming over with wonderful insights into Old and New Testament books and passages--insights that have escaped most traditional commentators. Those who study, preach, or teach the Scriptures will add this book to the inner circle of reference works they always keep within reach.

"We often tend to focus on the doctrinal content of the Bible at the expense of its emotional impact. . . . Ryken emphasizes that the Bible does not appear as a theological outline with proof texts attached but as stories, visions, poems, and letters."
--John F. Brug, author of three volumes in the People's Bible Commentary

"Set forth in simple, straightforward, precise . . . language. . . . Teaching and preaching the Bible as God's Word in man's language can become more colorful, insightful, and challenging when done in the light of what Ryken has done here."
--Peter Y. DeJong, former professor of pastoral theology, Calvin Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Leland Ryken (PhD, University of Oregon) is professor emeritus of English at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, and the author or editor of nearly forty books, including "Words of Delight: A Literary Introduction to the Bible."