Description: How does one summarize the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament? How might one determine the message of the Old Testament with others? This book attempts an answer to these questions. The answer is taken from a single Scripture passage, Exodus 5:22-6:8, which is here considered a theological "Table of Contents" for the Old Testament. In addition to such topics as Deliverance, Community, and Experiencing God, the book has an extended discussion on "Land," a subject which deals with a wide range of interests but which only rarely receives attention in books on biblical theology. The current edition features reflections and a set of discussion questions following each of the seventeen chapters--a boon for university and seminary teachers and students, and of large help for church study groups.
Brief description: Elmer A. Martens is President Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Fresno Pacific University Biblical Seminary (formerly Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary). In addition to Bible commentaries (e.g, Jeremiah), three of his many articles appear in his Festschrift edited by former student Jon Isaak, The Old Testament in the Life of God's People (2009). An active church member, he has taught internationally in twelve countries.