Old Testament Use of Old Testament: A Book-by-Book Guide

Reviewed by:

Julie-Allyson Ieron, author/Bible teacher/worship minister

Womencareforagingparents.com

REVIEW INTRODUCTION

Title:  

Old Testament Use of Old Testament: A Book-by-Book Guide

Author:

Gary Edward Schnittjer

Publisher:

Zondervan Academic

https://zondervanacademic.com/

Publication:

2021

Format:

Hardcover,

Length:

1104 pages

OVERVIEW

Now, you must know up front that this book reads like an impeccably researched doctoral dissertation. The first line of the introduction leaves no question: “Scriptural exegesis of Scripture is an engine of progressive revelation.” The tone is equally academic and challenging throughout.

That said, if you can wade through the jargon and the professorial voice, the content is superb. Dr. Schnittjer, who holds a Ph.D. from Dallas Seminary and is a professor of Old Testament at Cairn University, offers a methodical, book-by-book examination of how Scriptures interact with each other. He only tangentially mentions how the Old Testament appears in the New Testament. Instead, he focuses on how the Old Testament references itself. He makes a convincing argument that this happens with regularity and consistency. Anyone who might claim the Bible is anything other than a miraculously unified book would do well to spend thoughtful, focused time studying Schnittjer’s work.

He illustrates, for example, specific places where the books of the Law become foundational to the reader’s understanding of the history of the Jewish nation, as recorded in the books of Samuel, Kings and, Chronicles. Similarly, the Prophets hold the people accountable for living out the Law as spelled out in the Pentatuch. The Psalms refer to the same historical events, as well as the character of God shown through the Law and the Prophets.

By far the most comprehensive section is the “chapter” on Chronicles, which runs nearly 150 pages. Here again, taking time with the content will yield great rewards. I learned, for example, that the Chronicler retold the story originally covered in the books of Samuel, and Kings, for a new generation of post-exile Israelites. Then I read, “The Chronicler shapes his scriptural sources and other sources into a version of the grand story, featuring a series of recurring renewals” (p 700). From this I came to a fresh understanding and appreciation of the cycles of renewal throughout the Old Testament and how God always provides a way of redemption for His penitent people.

These are only a few short examples of the value of undertaking to read this comprehensive reference work. I found the scholarly content practical and useful to my Christian life. It will remain in my office library, and I heartily recommend it for yours.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5):

5

Suggested Audience:

Academics, scholars, preaching pastors

Christian Impact:

Highly recommended for every preaching pastor and seminarian, to facilitate their comprehensive study of Scripture’s consistency. A valuable resource for every church reference library.

Added value: The publisher offers a variety of tools for professors teaching through this book, including visual aids, a syllabus, and quiz/exam/discussion questions.