Trajectories
A Gospel-Centered Introduction to Old Testament Theology
Bryan C. Babcock,
James Spencer,
& Russell L. Meek
TRAJECTORIES
A Gospel-Centered Introduction to Old Testament Theology
Copyright © 2018 Bryan C. Babcock, James Spencer, and Russell L. Meek. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock Publishers, 199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3, Eugene, OR 97401.
Pickwick Publications
An Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers
199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3
Eugene, OR 97401
www.wipfandstock.com
paperback isbn: 978-1-4982-3284-5
hardcover isbn: 978-1-4982-3286-9
ebook isbn: 978-1-4982-3285-2
Cataloging-in-Publication data:
Names: Babcock, Bryan C., author | Spencer, James, author | Meek, Russell L., author.
Title: Trajectories : a gospel-centered introduction to Old Testament theology / Bryan C. Babcock, James Spencer, and Russell L. Meek.
Description: Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications | Includes bibliographical references.
Identifiers: ISBN: 978-1-4982-3284-5 (paperback) | ISBN: 978-1-4982-3286-9 (hardcover) | ISBN: 978-1-4982-3285-2 (ebook).
Subjects: LCSH: Bible. Old Testament—Theology.
Classification: BS1192.5 S66 2018 (print) | BS1192.5 (ebook).
Manufactured in the U.S.A. 01/31/18
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968,1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org/.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are taken from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Preface
The authors of this book set out to meet a current need in both undergraduate and graduate level courses. Too often courses and textbooks in Old Testament theology focus on the end product of Old Testament theology. Readers see the results, but the writer’s thought process is not always made transparent. This text seeks to make the thought process of the author clear by including the author’s exegesis, as well as including the author’s perspective on the theological theme in question framed within a discussion of the gospel.
In addition, Old Testament theologies often pay little attention to the ongoing role of Old Testament theological themes in the New Testament. Rather than simply pointing to passages in which Old Testament themes are explicitly utilized, this text provides a discussion of how the Old Testament themes inform our understanding of New Testament texts.
Trajectories addresses those challenges for students through a biblical orientation to the study of Old Testament theology. Thematically organized chapters address many of the major themes of the Old Testament. Each chapter analyzes key biblical passages that inform the theme in question so that the textbook may serve as a companion study guide to courses in the Old Testament. In addition, the exploration of thematic topics allows the study to better provide a link to the New Testament and the contemporary church.
Each chapter addresses a single theological topic of the Old Testament through exegetical and theological analysis of relevant biblical texts. By including three scholars whose research emphases complement each other, the text brings multiple evangelical voices to the table and provides examples of the manner in which different scholars develop Old Testament themes. The chapters conclude with an assessment of how each theological theme may be applied to the contemporary Christian church, along with questions for group discussion and reflection.
Finally, Trajectories seeks to situate Old Testament theology in relation to global and generational trends influencing the church and evangelical theology. The implications of globalization and the rise of the millennials on Old Testament theology are specifically addressed.
In sum, this theology Old Testament approaches the Old Testament as a theological text. Each essay presumes that humanity has become confused about God, about human nature, about the problems and solutions people face, and about the world they inhabit. This disorientation often encourages activities counter to the reign of God. The Old Testament, however, also describes a reality in which God participates. Humanity is not left alone, but given the opportunity to see beyond what appears to be insurmountable constraints and to live a life of obedience to God. As a counterpoint to humanity’s misperceptions and misdirected desires, the Old Testament offers a vision of reality in which God governs, sustains, tests, calls, protects, disciplines, delivers, and transforms those who are faithful to Him.
Acknowledgments
”He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
and has obtained favor from Yahweh”
(Prov 18:22)
We would like to dedicate this book to our wonderful wives Brittany Meek, Betsy Babcock, and Kim Spencer, who have encouraged us to pursue our passions for research, writing, and to increasingly be in fellowship with God. We want to thank them for the countless hours that they entertained our families so we might engage in writing. And we want to thank our mentors Rick Hess, Gordon Wenham, Walter McCord, Jon Monson, Dick Averbeck, and Mark Boda for allowing us to sit at their feet and learn from giants. Russell also thanks Louisiana College and its faculty development committee for providing funding for research for this book.
Abbreviations
ABD The Anchor Bible Dictionary
AcOr Acta orientalia
AOTC Abingdon Old Testament Commentary
Atl Mon The Atlantic
AUSS Andrews University Seminary Studies
BA Biblical Archaeologist
BAR Biblical
