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- House, Paul R. Old Testament Theology. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1998.
This book is unique in that it is essentially a retelling of the Old Testament books from a thematic point of view. It is more of an Old Testament survey than an Old Testament theology book. Because the book attempts to cover so much it is wordy and lacking in profound theological insights. Neither does it systematize OT theology.
- Martens, Elmer A. A Focus on Old Testament Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1981. *
Martens, a professor of Old Testament at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, has written a splendid but little known volume covering important Old Testament themes. A great deal of his book's structure and material deals with what he sees as the central subject of the Old Testament: God's fourfold purpose for His people found in Exodus 5:22-6:8. This purpose consists of (1) "deliverance, (2) to summon a people who will be peculiarly His own, (3) to offer himself for them to know, (4) and to give them land in fulfillment of his promise" (page 20, also spelled out on pages 18-19). The entire book is somewhat woven around these themes. Utilizing this basic structure Martens branches off into other important Old Testament themes.
Martens posits that "land" (i.e., Israel) is a symbol for "a gift, a promise, a blessing, a life-style, and even revelation" (p. 142). He offers many wonderful insights in this area. I highly recommend this book. It would be well to secure this volume before it goes out of print (if it hasn't already).
- Oehler, Gustave Friedrich. Theology of the Old Testament. Trans. by George Day. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, n.d.
This work by the German theologian Oehler is scholarly but slightly liberal. It is a bit ponderous, but does have some helpful information. This is one of the most significant presentations of Old Testament Theology from yesteryear.
- Payne, J. Barton. The Theology of the Older Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1962. **
The author was a distinguished professor of Old Testament. He writes from a covenental, premillennial, and conservative point of view. He is very sound on matters of inspiration. The book is detailed and very rich in places. Readers may want to skip the lengthy introductory material concerning the nature and history of Biblical Theology and the Testament. The thematic studies of this book actually begin on page 120 ("The Personality of God"). Payne has outstanding discussions on the Persons of God (p. 166) and "Life After Death" (p. 443), There are also many helpful appendices and charts.
Payne maintains a belief in types, but only with ceremonial and ritual matters. He denies typological significance of all OT individuals with two exceptions: Adam and Melchizedek.
Sometimes the author goes into lengthy and detailed discussions of esoteric material, but the book is loaded with helpful and well thought out insights throughout. The book is written at a moderately technical level. I found it necessary to underline make notes in the book. This book makes abundant use of Hebrew words (all transliterated).
On matters of eschatology Payne is post-tribulational, premillennial, and holds to a regrafting of ethnic Israel and a future rebuilding of the Temple, with literal millennial sacrifices. He has an unusual scheme of eschatology.
- Sauer, Eric. The Dawn of World Redemption: A Survey of Historical Revelation in the Old Testament. Translated by G. H. Lang. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1951. *
This work along with his companion work on NT Theology ("Triumph of the Crucified") is a classic. It discusses different themes from most other works on OT Theology. Much of his material has a devotional flavor. Sauer offers some profound insights in all his works. Someone needs to make more helpful indices to his works.
- Wood, Leon J. The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. Currently republished; Eugene: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 1998. *
One of Leon Wood's most detailed and profound works, this small but important volume deals with many important aspects of Old Testament theology through a study of the Holy Spirit. Included are discussions of the identity and work of the Spirit, the indwelling, sealing, and filling in the Old Testament, the relationship between the OT and NT regarding the Spirit, the prophetic experience, Saul and evil spirits. Wood has an entire chapter on the subject of Israel's prophets not being "ecstatics." He has a very helpful chart on a "list of the verbs and corresponding prepositions used relative to the Holy Spirit's coming upon people" (p. 129; chart on pp. 130-131). I highly recommend this book.
- Youngblood, Ronald. The Heart of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1971. *
This book is a readable and thoughtful presentation of Old Testament theology centering around nine themes: Monotheism, Sovereignty, Election, Covenant, Theocracy, Law, Sacrifice, Faith, and Redemption. This brief book has many excellent insights but surprisingly the author denies that the "Angel of the Lord" in the Old Testament is the preincarnate Christ.
- Zuck, Roy ed. A Biblical Theology of the Old Testament. Chicago: Moody, 1991. **
This is the one of the finest works available on the subject. It is clearly written, and full of theological and exegetical insights. If presents OT Theology according to the order of the books of the OT, rather than in a systematized way. There are many helpful discussions throughout the book about God, His attributes, and actions. Highly recommended.
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