Interpreting the Historical Books: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis)

For class

Although this is a very good book it was not what I was looking for at all. Am sure I'll use it but just not for the purpose I ordered it.

Came on time. Perfect

This book exceeded my expectation. I really enjoyed this book on interpreting the historical narratives found in the Old Testament. Some people might not think of hermeneutics as “fun” but this really was fun to read. It was also helpful for me too. I think the book was a rare combination of being meaty and yet insightful into the Scriptures that makes readers excited to want to read the Old Testament.The book is divided into six chapters. The first chapter focuses on what is narrative literature with the breakdown on what are the elements of narratives and interpretative principles that are conscious of them. The second chapter is on the primary themes of the historical books while the third chapter is on the preparing for interpretation. Chapter four is titled “interpreting narrative texts,” chapter five is “proclaiming narrative text” and chapter six is “From Text to Application: Two Samples.”I enjoyed the first two chapters very much. Chapter one had a many examples given by the author of how being conscious of the elements of narrative contribute to one’s interpretation of the text. The author Robert Chisholm then devoted the second chapter on the primary themes of the historical books. I appreciated Chisholm going over what the individual historical books in the Old Testament were about. It is important that a book on interpreting the historical books not just be a book on principles, methods and rules of interpretation but also gives the readers what are the actual content, the actual themes found in the books itself. This provides the important bigger picture for interpreting specific passages. Of all the books surveyed it was Chisholm’s analysis of 1-2 Samuel that the author devotes the most space to, given how it lays the theological significance of the Davidic covenant with all that follows chronologically after these two books. Again, this was a very well done chapter, and Chisholm lays out his materials in an orderly manner beginning with a book’s primary themes, the way the book is organized followed by a summary of the book’s overall purpose. Here I admit that I’m not as strong in the Old Testament as I would like to be and I learn some basic facts I never knew before, such as 1-2 Chronicles presents a more optimistic and hopeful view of events and person so as to encourage the original readers who were set in post-Exilic times that God hasn’t forgotten nor abandon them because of the Davidic Covenant.Here are also some quick highlights of what I enjoyed from the book:• Very good example of dealing with the problem of God’s omniscience when there’s stories of God that seems that He is not on pages 65-68.• In the end of chapter three there is an incredibly helpful bibliographical aid that suggests and survey the best commentaries, literary studies and other sources on the studies of the historical books in the Old Testament.• I appreciated chapter six giving us a more detailed samples of going from text to applications. I liked how the principles of interpretation given earlier in the book is exactly the template the author uses in interpreting and drawing out application from his examples of Old Testament historical narratives. I thought his discussion on Ruth chapter one stood out among the two samples he gave.• The author had a helpful glossary that’s worth remember to use as a reference.• The author has an excellent discussion about harmonizing and dealing with apparent contradictions in which the author warned us not to be overly simplistic in attempting to harmonize the texts while also not becoming theologically problematic in doubting the integrity of God’s Word.This was a wonderful book I recommend for preachers, pastors and teachers of God’s Word. I also think Christian apologists can also benefit from this book.NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Kregel Publications without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

Arrived as promised

Chisholm's book is a welcome addition to the literature on the study of biblical narrative. It addresses issues that other manuals on narrative do not address, such as speech function and discourse types. A great debt of thanks is due to the author.

I was really excited when I saw that this book and the series was being produced by David Howard Jr. whom I respect highly in this area. Since, I'm teaching through this in my church, I also was really excited. I thought this would be a welcomed addition to my library and study of the OT historical books. Well, I set myself up for disappointment. The book fails to really go in-depth into the books. It's only a little over 200 pages. You can't expect to cover 12 books in such a short time. The plot analysis is a bit over done. If you like that sort of stuff, read The Art of Preaching OT Narrative by Steven D. Matthewson.  The Art of Preaching Old Testament Narrative  He does a better job.My main problem with the book is that the organization is not by books of the Bible, but rather by topic. This is highly annoying if you simply want to read about Judges. Who wants to read the whole book? I'd rather just read a few pages. It really is a poor hermeneutical book as well.For a good overview of the books, get Victor P. Hamilton's Handbook on the Historical Books:  Handbook on the Historical Books Also, David M. Howard Jr. has his own handbook in the Moody Series is also very helpful.Please read this book before you buy it and learn from my mistake.