Open AccessON FINDING THE THEOLOGICAL MESSAGE OF OLD TESTAMENT BOOKS: A PLEA FOR PAYING ATTENTION TO THE REDEMPTIVE-HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Author(s) -
Gert Kwakkel
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
unio cum christo
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2473-8476
pISSN - 2380-5412
DOI - 10.35285/ucc5.1.2019.art3
Subject(s) - plea , exegesis , context (archaeology) , old testament , trace (psycholinguistics) , sermon , interpretation (philosophy) , new testament , literature , historical jesus , theology , philosophy , biblical studies , redaction , classics , history , art , law , political science , linguistics , archaeology
What is the theological message of an Old Testament book? How should one proceed in attempts to trace and formulate it? The answer to these questions is vital for the study biblical theology. These are likewise relevant for students working on the exegesis of a pericope or ministers preparing a sermon series on a specific book. In this study, I will argue that it is not only helpful but also necessary to pay more attention to the position of the books in the broad context of the history of Israel and the history of redemption. As this context is particularly relevant for the interpretation of the historical books and the prophets, I will focus on examples taken from these books.