The literary structure of the Old Testament : a commentary on Genesis-Malachi / David A. Dorsey.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Dorsey, David A., 1949-2014.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Bible. Old Testament--Commentaries.

Bible.

Bible. Old Testament.

Bible as literature.

Genre:

Commentaries.

Physical Description:

330 pages ; 27 cm

Place of Publication:

Grand Rapids, MI : Baker Books, [1999]

Summary:

In modern writing, a variety of written markers -- such as italics, bold type, punctuation, parentheses, and footnotes -- are used to indicate emphasis and clarify meaning. Since the authors of the Old Testament lived in an oral culture and could not rely on such devices, they used literary structure to highlight certain ideas. Unfortunately, as we read the Old Testament today we frequently overlook its inherent literary structure. This guide helps us see how the literary structure of the Old Testament clarifies each book's message and meaning.

David Dorsey proceeds through the entire Old Testament, identifying the structure and explaining how it clarifies the text's meaning. He illuminates the "big picture" of each book, providing a framework for further study. No pastor, teacher, or student should embark upon the study of an Old Testament text without first consulting this indispensable guide.

Contents:

2. Literary Units 21

3. Arrangement of Units 26

4. Structure and Meaning 36

5. Value of Structural Analysis 42

Unit 2 Book of the Law of Moses

6. Book of the Law: Historical Prologue: Genesis 1:1-Exodus 19:2 47

7. Book of the Law: Treaty at Sinai: Exodus 19:3-Numbers 10:10 72

8. Book of the Law: Historical Conclusion: Numbers 10:11-Joshua 24:33 84

9. Book of the Law: Structural Unity 97

Unit 3 Historical Books

10. Judges: Israel's Downward Spiral 105

11. Ruth: The Power of Kindness 121

12 Samuel: David

a Man after God's Heart 129

13. Kings: Israel's Revolt against God 137

14. Chronicles: Encouraging Stories from Israel's History 145

15. Ezra-Nehemiah: God's People Return to Jerusalem 158

16. Esther: Divine Providence Protects God's People 162

Unit 4 Poetic Books

17. Job: Where Can Wisdom Be Found? 167

18. Psalms: Israel's Hymns and Prayers to God 173

19. Proverbs: Yahweh

the Source of All Wisdom 187

20. Ecclesiastes: God Alone Holds the Key to Life's Meaning 192

21. Song of Songs: Love

the Flame of Yahweh 199

Unit 5 Major Prophets

22. Isaiah: Trust in Yahweh Alone 217

23. Jeremiah: Prophet to a Hostile Nation 236

24. Lamentations: His Mercies Are New Every Morning 246

25. Ezekiel: Visions of the Glory of God 253

26. Daniel: God's Supremacy over All Earthly Powers 259

Unit 6 Minor Prophets

27. Hosea: Come Home, Unfaithful Israel 265

28. Joel: Yahweh Thunders at the Head of His Army 273

29. Amos: The Lion Has Roared 277

30. Obadiah: Edom's Fall and Judah's Rise 287

31. Jonah: A Lesson on Mercy 290

32. Micah: Walk Humbly with Your God 296

33. Nahum: Where Now Is the Lion's Den? 301

34. Habakkuk: The Just Shall Live by Faith 306

35. Zephaniah: The Day of Yahweh Is Near 310

36. Haggai: Rebuild the Temple! 315

37. Zechariah: Yahweh Will Again Live among His People 317

38. Malachi: How Have We Robbed God? 321.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 329-330).

ISBN:

0801021871

OCLC:

42002627