Old Testament Theology: A Thematic Approach

by Robin Routledge

Numerous useful books on Old Testament theology are now available. However, they often give too much information - or too little. Some can seem large, and daunting to the ordinary student or pastor, and because of their layout, information may be hard to access. Others take a more introductory approach and do not deal with many of the theological issues and questions that the Old Testament raises.

Robin Routledge's aim is to bridge this gap.

He provides a substantial overview of the central issues and themes in Old Testament theology in the main body of the text, with more detailed discussion and references for further reading in the footnotes.

His purpose is to examine the theological significance of the various texts in their wider canonical context, noting unity and coherence within the Old Testament (and to some extent between the Old and New Testaments), whilst also being aware of diversity. A brief outline of the relationship between exegesis and biblical theology within the overall task of interpreting and applying biblical material is given in the first chapter.



His hope as a Christian minister is that, while this volume has grown out of a teaching context, and is intended for students, it will also be of benefit to others who want to take the theological content of the Old Testament seriously, and to apply its message to the life and ministry of the church today.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Old Testament, Christianity, Nonfiction

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 10, 2009

About the author

Robin Routledge is senior lecturer in Old Testament at Mattersey Hall in England. He also teaches at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague and the Continental Theological Seminary in Brussels.

Reviews

[Michaela Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine. Didn’t like it better the second time around.

[Hannah Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty entertaining as far as text books go

[Caleb Sturgis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this as a textbook for a class and really enjoyed it! The thematic approach that Routledge took coupled with a robust introductory survey and a wealth of footnotes make this volume a helpful blend of readability and research.

[Bledar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any attempt to find one single theme to integrate the OT is going to fail. Rather we need several themes, as suggested by Routledge. His footnotes are as worthy (if not more) as the text itself.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad introduction but definitely doesn’t go as in-depth as necessary or would be interesting.

[Joshua Reichard · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first chapter in this book seemed to drag on forever. I understand the need to discuss the history of OT theology but please make it relevant and helpful in understanding OT theology. After the first chapter though, the book was great. It was different in how it handled the theology of the OT but I appreciated the organization and thought that Routledge put into his book. The two must-read chapters are chapter 5 God and his people (2) Worship and sacrifice. Very helpful thoughts on how the OT's sacrificial system played a role in their lives and how they are no longer needed. And the other must-read chapter is election and covenant. One quote is "The Law came later as a basis not for becoming God's people but for living as God's people."

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Routledge's book contains solid Biblical scholarship and helpful insight to the Biblical text. While there are now many Old Testament Theologies available, the strength of this volume is that it is short enough to be accessible to the busy pastor or student or scholar, yet long enough to cover the essential themes of the OT and to point the reader to the longer and more thorough discussions in other theologies when necessary. It's a helpful resource to have in your library and isn't too hard to read all the way through.

[Danai Gabre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to Old Testament Theology. Evangelical Christian approach, but considers multiple perspectives and gives you a historical understanding of theological thought to where it is today.

[Anthony Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Old Testament theology is for the church and for Christians. Great academic insight with concrete application for everyday life. It has a great chapter on the history of OT theology research and the rest of the book is just as good. While it isn’t the absolute GIANT of an OT theology like Wellum/Gentry or Childs or Sailhammer (had to throw him in here lol), it is fantastic, and something that they don’t focus on (as much) is Israel as living on mission to the other nations (which Israel fails at) but he focuses the new covenant on being able to fulfill God’s mission to the nations (as well as renewal of all creation, restoration, etc.). If I had to pick two things to critique about it, 1) he holds to some redaction criticism as well as Satan’s left ear lobe itself: JDEP. And 2) His later chapters focused primarily on the prophets, he really only focuses on Isaiah (and some Jeremiah and Daniel) but that’s it. Doesn’t really use Ezekiel or the minor prophets. Overall: FANTASTIC book that is shorter than Wellum/Gentry and is a great example of premier scholarship as well as application for the church.

[Chandler Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this is a great work of Old Testament theology as Routledge guides the reader through key theological themes of the Old Testament. I found his discussions on creation and the centrality of mission to be especially helpful. Though I will admit that I found the structure of the work a little unclear: the book cannot decide if it wants to be an Old Testament theology of systematic theology, but Routledge does not clarify the structure of his work. There is, however, a fantastic and extensive introduction to the book discussing the history of OT theology and key methodological issues in biblical theology. The author is open to certain historical critical insights in his biblical theology, which allows Routledge to provide a unique evangelical voice on certain OT issues. I did think he was a little inconsistent at times on the prominence of the chaoskampf theme throughout the OT, though. Good work, but it wouldn’t necessarily be my go-to work on OT theology. Paul House’s work still holds that place for me.

[Luke Schmeltzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for an Old Testament theology class at a liberal university, so that probably gives you an idea of what you’ll get in this. Routledge goes through the predominant subjects of biblical theology and Old Testament studies in historical context. The author takes a somewhat critical approach but is not above criticizing the far-fetched theories of Wellhausen and von Rod. This book had relevant information in a readable presentation, but there are probably better books of this type.

[Jordan Tomeš · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dobrý pokus uchopit Starý zákon tématicky, tedy sledováním, jak jednotlivá témata (eklesiologie, soteriologie, apokalyptika...) Starým zákonem prochází, mění se, vyvíjí se. Názorově se autor pohybuje v uvědomělém, biblisticky liberálnějším, evangelikalismu, což mi sedlo. Až na první kapitolu velice otevřené jakémukoliv čtenáři.

[Will Dole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, helpful overview of major themes in the OT. A little on the critical side for me, very open to various composition methods that sometimes stand in conflict with the witness of the text itself (eg, JEDP for the Pentateuch), but on the whole there is an evangelical tone and desire to maintain the authority of Scripture over against other sources. A worthwhile reference text.

[Laure Hittle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my kind of systematic theology.

Fantastic treatment of the major themes of the OT, accessibly and engagingly written. Includes connections to the NT throughout without subordinating the OT’s authority or normative value for the church.

[John Paul Arceno · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complete OT Biblical Theology with synopsis on history, task and definition, and challenges. Very clear, fully backed-up with tons of research and references, and easy to understand. I enjoyed every bit of its chapters.

[Samuel Bierig · Rating 3 out of 5]

purdy good

[Suzy G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful information for me on:
-Laws and sacrifices
-Prayer
-Names of God
-the Spirit
-ANE views of creation (chaos in Genesis 1)
-Death

[Lauren Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for an overview of themes in Old Testament Theology. Easy to read.

[Ben Smitthimedhin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information on themes of the Old Testament and understanding the bits and pieces of the OT narratives. Although Routledge's book is textbook-level, it retains readability throughout. Will read again.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful scholarly foray into the discipline.