What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Jesus' Bible Hardcover – Illustrated, September 24, 2013

Jesus read the Bible. Have you considered this fact before? When you think of the earthly ministry and life of Jesus, you probably think of His teachings and miracles—and you likely haven’t reflected on the fact that Jesus read the Scriptures. We can safely assume that Jesus was faithfully taught the Scriptures by Mary and Joseph as He “increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52). Also, it was Jesus’ custom to attend temple worship and read the Scriptures (Luke 4:26). And clearly Jesus read the Bible if He taught His disciples all about it (Luke 24:27). Today, in seminary and Bible college classes, it is not unusual to be assigned a book on the survey of the Old Testament. While there are many great textbooks available for surveying the Old Testament, this book focuses distinctly on Jesus’ version of the Old Testament. Isn’t that the one we should be studying? Of course, Jesus read the same Old Testament that we have today, but it was organized in a different order. Considering that fact, our study of the survey of the Old Testament should conform to the order in which it was originally organized. That’s one of the many things that this textbook accomplishes. This is not your ordinary Bible survey textbook. Not only does it focus on the Bible that Jesus Himself used, but it focuses on what really mattered to the authors of the many books of the Old Testament. What did they really care about? What was near to their hearts? DeRouchie answers these questions and more in his marvelous work, What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Jesus’ Bible.Each chapter is broken down into a manageable and easy-to-read way. First, each chapter begins with some introductory information about the Old Testament book(s) that will be discussed within that chapter. In only a few paragraphs, organized neatly on the page, the author answers the basic fundamental questions of purpose, authorship, and date by asking Who? When? Where? , and Why? Second, each chapter of the book begins with a section titled, “Carefully Crafted Verses from (the Book(s) Being Studied).” Found in this section are powerfully packed verses found in the book that is being surveyed. There is also a helpful chart on the first page of every chapter with bullet points that summarize the theological convictions that lay behind the author’s pen of every book in the Old Testament. These theological convictions are then unpacked in detail throughout the rest of the chapter in individual sections.Also, pasted throughout the chapters of the book, there are striking historical images pertaining to the culture, practices, and history of that particular book being surveyed. Similarly, there are small text boxes scattered throughout the chapters that offer insightful reflections on the concepts being discussed. Additionally there are charts that provide good visual aids to capture the outline of the book(s), the chronology of certain events, and more. The chapters usually end with a summary of the concepts discussed in that chapter. That is followed by a “Key Words and Concepts” section that identifies some of the important terms and ideas discussed in the chapter. Finally, the chapter concludes with a suggested reading section that displays the names of commentaries, scholarly works, and other books that will help with studying the particular book(s) discussed in that chapter.There are many strengths within this book, and it is safe to say that there are far more strengths to this work than there are weaknesses. First of all, one strength to this book is the range of scholarship employed. This theological survey of the Old Testament was not compiled DeRouchie himself or a few other authors. This book was compiled by seventeen scholars and professors of the Old Testament from some of the world’s leading seminaries and Bible colleges. Another great strength in this book is its visual aids. Everyone can benefit through the visual aids in DeRouchie’s book. The charts and icons that are found throughout this book help the reader to grasp the concepts that are being discussed. While the visual aids are descriptive and informatory, some of the charts could be expounded on a little better. Some of the figures (like on pages 182-183, and 236) are in need of better explanation. This book is intended to be a simple, practical help for students and some further explanation on some charts and figures would serve to that purpose. Also, study or reflection questions at the end of each chapter probably wouldn’t hurt. I understand that this book isn’t written as a normal theological survey of the Old Testament, but regardless a few questions to test your knowledge would aid the student—and that is lacking from DeRouchie’s book.What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About is the most manageable, user-friendly survey of the Old Testament that a student or layperson can read. The various authors all of the chapters cause you to ponder on the greatness of God’s glory revealed in the Old Testament for the good and satisfaction of His people. With the compelling visuals, clearly outlined theological concepts, and the other great resources offered in this book—you will find yourself soaking in the rich theology of the Old Testament. Still, the paramount concept that sets this survey apart from hundreds of others is that it is a survey of Jesus’ Bible—and if this book is read correctly, your mind will be informed and you will be drawn closer to the glorious God of the Old Testament.

It always surprises me when I come across a textbook that is enjoyable to read. I could sit and read this for hours!

This book is an excellent survey of the Old Testament for ANYONE who is looking for a greater understanding of scripture. DeRuchie does an excellent job of orienting his readers to take in the Bible in a faithful way. He begins with an overall structure of the bible, different structures you might see, and each of their strengths and weaknesses. Then he gives an overview of biblical history and key events. The rest of the book outlines the emphases and key points of each book in the Old Testament in the order that Jesus read them. The book as a whole is a blessing and has great illustrations, charts, sources, and side points. DeRouchie does a great job of highlighting how each book points to Christ and the hope of the New Covenant and the Day of the Lord. If anyone was looking to dive into the Old Testament, this is where I would direct them.

"What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About" is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the message and themes of the Old Testament in their original historical and cultural context, as well as how they relate to the person and work of Jesus Christ. This book will further an understanding on how Christ is exalted in each passage of the Old Testament, and emphasizes how Christ is the Hope that Israel is being pointed to, and the Hope working alongside the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit. This book also gives a great framework on how to think through each book of the Old Testament, specifically what each author meant to teach, while vivifying the Author behind everything (God). Whether you are a scholar, pastor, or student, this book will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the richness and complexity of the Old Testament.

What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About is an incredible resource for those who desire a wholistic view of the Bible. It succinctly summarizes the structure, themes, and messages of the Old Testament books in a way that enhances the words of the New Testament authors. As a student, I appreciated the quick summaries of Who? When? Where? and Why? questions that begin each book but enjoyed the fact that the bulk of the writing is dedicated to summarizing the book from a wholistic standpoint. It is easy to “miss the forest among the trees” sometimes while reading the OT but this book helps focus on the big picture of God’s steadfast character and His plan for redemption fulfilled through Christ’s death and resurrection.

Dr. Jason DeRouchie and his colleagues did a wonderful job laying out a new and refreshing view of the Old Testament. I personally grew a lot over this past year in classes using this textbook and have a much deeper understanding of how the OT points to Christ.The chapter layout of this book is clear and easy to follow, and even complex themes are well-explained. Each chapter covers a book or section of books by summarizing the passages, highlighting main points, and pointing to God's sovereign work throughout history.

This book is an excellent way to enter Old Testament theology. My only gripe is that it feels and reads like a textbook, but the information from the team of scholars, lead by Dr. DeRouchie, is excellent. It seeks to exalt Christ, and it succeeds. Christ is to be found in every book of Scripture and the focus and point, and this team worked hard to show Him. The book also seeks to teach Bible readers to read the Old Testament the same way New Testament authors did, where they "searched and inquired diligently, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when He predicted the sufferings of the Christ and the subsequent glories" (1 Pet 1:10). It is accessible for beginning Bible studiers with easy-to-read prose, yet it offers enough meat to satisfy and grow seasoned scholars. Its heart is pastoral, balancing comfort for the believer with conviction.

LeseanstossIch wurde von einem Pastor auf diese Einleitung in das Alte Testament aufmerksam gemacht. Trotz dem verhältnismässig hohen Anschaffungspreis griff ich ohne Zögern zu. Es handelt sich um einen Hochglanz- und Farbdruck.Mein erster EindruckEs handelt sich nicht nur um eine Aufstellung, die Daten und Fakten zum Alten Testament sammelt. Vielmehr ist diese Komposition als heilgeschichtlich eingebettete, auf Christus zentrierte Abhandlung entstanden. Dies zeigen die zahlreichen Abbildungen und Modelle.Der Editorbetreibt eine eigene Website mit genau diesen Inhalten. Er ist Vater von sechs Kindern, wovon er drei adoptiert hat, aktuell Ältester der Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis (also der Kirche, in der John Piper über Jahrzehnte Hauptpastor war) und lehrt an verschiedenen Colleges Altes Testament, u. a. an dem der eigenen Kirche.ZielsetzungEs geht um eine neutestamentlich-christliche Interpretation dessen, worum es den alttestamentlichen Autoren wirklich ging. Dem jüdischen Kanon folgendend, präsentiert dieser Band «die Essenz dessen, was im Alten Testament offenbart wurde – mit einem bewussten Blick vorwärts auf die Erfüllung, wie sie im Neuen Testament durch Jesus geklärt wurde» (13).Das Buch soll eine «Evangeliums-gesättigte, theologisch reichhaltige, von der Botschaft getriebene, von unterschiedlichen Autoren erstellte, übersichtliche Buch-für-Buch überblickende» Einleitung sein (23).Inhaltliche ElementeZur Einleitung werden drei bis sechs bleibende Themen jedes Buches bzw. Bibelteils erläutert. Der Bezug zum NT (Verheissung/Erfüllung) durchzieht jeden Abschnitt. Für jedes Buch, aber auch für die drei Teile (Torah, Propheten, Schriften) und für das gesamte Alte Testament wurden überblickende Kapitel erstellt. Den Einleitungsfragen wird «snapshot»-artig Beachtung geschenkt.HeilsgeschichteUnter dem Heading «Gottes Königreich» werden folgende Phasen verfolgt: Start und Rebellion (Schöpfung, Sündenfall, Sintflut); Instrument des Segens (Patriarchen); erlöste und beauftragte Nation (Exodus, Sinai, Wüste); Regierung im verheissenen Land (Eroberung und Königreich); überlappende Zeitalter (Christi Werk und Zeitalter der Kirche); Christi Wiederkunft und Vollendung des Königreiches.Bündnisstruktur der BibelSowohl der Alte wie der Neue Bund folgen einer Dreier-Struktur:1) Etablierung, engl. Established (Retter – Savior) > Torah, Evangelien2) Verstärkung, engl. Enforced (Souverän – Sovereign) > frühere und spätere Propheten, Apg und Paulinische Briefe3) Freude, engl. Enjoyed (Befriediger – Satisfier) > frühere und spätere Schriften, Offenbarung.Synthese1) Frame (Inhalt: Was?) – Gottes Königreich2) Form (Mittel: Wie?) – durch Bündnisse3) Focus (Zweck: Warum?) – zu Gottes Ehre4) Fulcrum (Sphäre: Wer?) – in ChristusBeispiel TorahDie Gesamtbotschaft wird stringent heruntergebrochen:Das Gesetz: Der Alte Bund etabliert (Jahwe als Retter)a) Genesis – Prolog zu Gottes weltweitem Königreich: Das Bedürfnis nach und die Versorgung mit dem weltweiten Segenb) Exodus: König Jahwe und seine weltweite Absicht durch Israel: Gottes Gegenwart und Israels Erlösung und Auftragc) Leviticus. Der heilige Jahwe und die Notwendigkeit für die Heiligkeit: Gott nachfolgen durch seine heiligende Gegenwart und Verheissungend) Numeri: Treuer Jahwe und untreues Volk: Warten lernen und Ihm folgen in Zeiten der Disziplinierunge) Deuteronomium: Israels Verfassung: Der Ruf zur dauerhaften Bundesbeziehung und ihre eschatologische ErfüllungLeseerlebnisDie klare Struktur und die zahlreichen Abbildungen, Diagramme und Modelle sind ungemein hilfreich, laden jedoch auch zum Verweilen ein. Das bedeutet, dass der Leser ab und zu den roten Faden verlieren kann oder vor lauter Bäumen den Wald nicht mehr sieht. Dem kann jedoch Abhilfe geschaffen werden – durch mehrmaliges Lesen.