Introduction to Old Testament Theology: A Canonical Approach

Rating:
Summary: Very Scholarly Old Testament Theology
Review: This book is for those who want an OT theology that is very detailed, highly-technical, and painstakingly exegetical. Sailhamer's book is not like the other OT theology books (e.g., Brevard Childs, Walter Kaiser, Eugene Merrill and Roy Zuck, Ralph Smith, and Bruce Waltke) that deal primarily with themes, messages, and ideas of the OT. The book is primarily hermeneutical and methodological (in fact, the major portion of the book [pp. 29-194] deals with methodology!). If one is looking for a thematical OT theology this book is not for you (try Kaiser, Smith, or Waltke). However, this is an excellent book for those who like to get into the nitty-gritty of OT exegesis and theological methodology. It is a difficult book to read so this book isn't for those who like to cruise through a book.

Rating:
Summary: Great Treatment of Old Testament Theological Method
Review: This book is one of my all-time favorites in Old Testament theology. Sailhamer is one of the most creative in interesting conservative Old Testament theologians writing today.

This book essentially covers everything you might wish to know about the different ways Old Testament Theology has been done. Sailhamer deftly arranges his discussion of all the different ways to do Old Testament theology through the different options of "text or event," "criticism or canon," "descriptive or confesional," and "diachronic or synchronic." he charts how different theologians have approached these four central choices on how to do Old Testament Theology. Sailhamer concludes his book by offering a proposal that is text-centered, cannonical, confessional and uses both diachronic and synchronic structures as the situation may warrant.

Even if one disagrees with Sailhamer's proposal (I find it brilliant), this book is an essential read for those interested in Old Testament Theology. The historical and methodological overview is superb, the proposal clear and articulate and the apendicies are fascinating explorations in Old Testament theological and textual studies.