The Old Testament displays a remarkable literary and theological unity through a variety of genres. But applying a single, one-size-fits-all method of exegesis can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. A valuable reference tool for students and pastors, the Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis (HOTE) series provides readers with an enhanced understanding of different Old Testament genres and strategies for interpretation.

The inaugural volume in the HOTE series, Interpreting the Historical Books begins by exploring the components of narrative — setting, characterization, and plot — and then develops the major theological themes in each of the Old Testament historical books (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther).

As readers work through Interpreting the Historical Books, they will begin to see and interpret the narrative writings as the writings were intended to be understood. A glossary defining technical words and samples of moving from exegesis to proclamation make this handbook practical and user-friendly.

About the series: The Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis offer students basic skills for exegeting and proclaiming the different genres of the Old Testament. Because there is a no one-size-fits-all approach to interpreting Scripture, this series features six volumes covering the major genres in the Old Testament: narrative, law, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, and apocalyptic. Each volume is built around the same six-chapter structure: 1. The Nature of the Genres, 2. Viewing the Whole, 3. Preparing for Interpretation, 4. Interpreting the Text, 5. Proclaiming the Text, and 6. Putting it all Together.

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Reviews

"The strength of Interpreting the Historical Books is Chisholmís skill at articulating and illustrating a reading strategy for Hebrew based exegesis. Too many seminary students spend semesters learning the rudiments of the biblical languages, but never learn how to apply the knowledge that they have gained to the actual practice of interpretation. A careful reading of Interpreting the Historical Books will empower the student to deploy her understanding of Hebrew for a deeper engagement with the biblical text than is possible for those who rely only on English translations." — RealMinistries.org

"My interpretive first love is Old Testament narrative. How I wish Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis: Interpreting the Historical Books (Kregel) had been available during my formative years of training. It provides a wealth of information, tools, and samples for anyone interested in understanding and proclaiming biblical narrative. Knowledge of the biblical languages can be a great step forward in navigating the objective truth. — John Henry Beukema, Christianity Today

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Robert B. Chisholm Jr. (ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is Department Chair and Professor of Old Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is a translator and the Senior Old Testament Editor of the NET Bible. Chisholm's other publications include Interpreting the Minor Prophets, Handbook on the Prophets, and A Workbook for Intermediate Hebrew.