John Goldingay

It was a time when worship was at best shallow and at worst idolatrous. It was a time when greed was breaking up society. It was a time when the great and powerful failed to protect the poor and the weak. It was the time of the kings of Israel and Judah. In an era of wickedness and unfaithfulness, God raised up the prophets to speak, to call his chosen people back to himself and to bear witness to the coming of the Messiah. Of these brave men and women, one of the most notable was Isaiah, whose messages of judgement, comfort and hope still speak powerfully to us today. Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

Do we need the Old Testament? That's a familiar question, often asked. But as an Old Testament scholar, John Goldingay turns that question on its head: Do we need the New Testament? What's new about the New Testament? After all, the Old Testament was the only Bible Jesus and the disciples knew. Jesus affirmed it as the Word of God. Do we need anything more? And what happens when we begin to look at the Old Testament, which is the First Testament, not as a deficient old work in need of a christological makeover, but as a rich and splendid revelation of God's faithfulness to Israel and the world? In this cheerfully provocative yet probingly serious book, John Goldingay sets the question and views it from a variety of angles. Under his expert hand, each facet unfolds the surprising richness of the Old Testament and challenges us to recalibrate our perspective on it.

ECPA Gold Medallion Award winner In this first volume of a three-volume Old Testament theology, John Goldingay focuses on narrative. Examining the biblical order of God's creation of and interactions with the world and Israel, he tells the story of Israel's gospel as a series of divine acts: God BeganGod Started OverGod PromisedGod DeliveredGod SealedGod GaveGod AccommodatedGod WrestledGod PreservedGod SentGod Exalted This is an Old Testament theology like no other. Whether applying magnifying or wide-angle lenses, Goldingay is closely attentive to the First Testament's narrative, plot, motifs, tensions and subtleties. Brimming with insight and energy, and postmodern in its ethos, this book will repeatedly reward readers with fresh and challenging perspectives on God and God's ways with Israel and the world—as well as Israel's ways with God. Goldingay's Old Testament Theology is not only a scholarly contribution to the ongoing quest of understanding the theological dimensions of the First Testament. Preachers and teachers will prize it as a smart, informed and engaging companion as they read and re-present the First Testament story to postmodern pilgrims on the way. This is Old Testament theology that preaches. Volume two focuses on Israel's faith, or Old Testament theology as belief. It explores the person and nature of God, the nature of the world and humanity, the character of sin and the significance of Israel. Volume three's focus is Israel's life, or Old Testament theology as ethos, exploring its worship, spirituality, ideals and vision for living.

Westminster John Knox Press is pleased to present the seventeen-volume Old Testament for Everyone series. Internationally respected Old Testament scholar John Goldingay addresses Scripture from Genesis to Malachi in such a way that even the most challenging passages are explained simply and concisely. The series is perfect for daily devotions, group study, or personal visits with the Bible. In this volume on Isaiah, Goldingay explores the first of the great prophetic books. Isaiah is a compilation of the prophetic messages of several prophets. Their messages to the people of Judah and Jerusalem included a call for injustice to be recognized, a message of liberation and hope from the oppressors of the people, and a message of the coming day of judgment. These separate messages are held together by the promise of a new age of redemption and peace that lies beyond the crisis of judgment.

What is at the heart of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs? A desire for life lived fully and well: life lived wisely; life lived purposefully; life lived in loving, joyful partnership with God and others. At the centre of this abundant life must be for God, for he desires all good things for us. He wants us to know his shalom - harmony, wholeness, health and peace. The wise sayings of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, and the rich, sensual poetry of the Song of Songs remind us how to conduct ourselves with wisdom, and without folly and futility, in the knowledge that we are deeply loved. Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament. And, as he guides us in our understanding of these time-honoured words and the ancient world they describe, he helps us to apply what we read to our lives.

For over one hundred years International Critical Commentaries have had a special place among works on the Bible. They bring together all the relevant aids to exegesis - linguistic, textual, archaeological, historical, literary, and theological - to help the reader understand the meaning of the books of the Old and New Testaments. The new commentaries continue this tradition. All new evidence now available is incorporated and new methods of study are applied. The authors are of the highest international standing. No attempt has been made to secure a uniform theological or critical approach to the biblical text: contributors have been invited for their scholarly distinction, not for their adherence to any one school of thought.

For over one hundred years International Critical Commentaries have had a special place among works on the Bible. They bring together all the relevant aids to exegesis - linguistic, textual, archaeological, historical, literary, and theological - to help the reader understand the meaning of the books of the Old and New Testaments. The new commentaries continue this tradition. All new evidence now available is incorporated and new methods of study are applied. The authors are of the highest international standing. No attempt has been made to secure a uniform theological or critical approach to the biblical text: contributors have been invited for their scholarly distinction, not for their adherence to any one school of thought.

Westminster John Knox Press is pleased to present the seventeen-volume Old Testament for Everyone series. Internationally respected Old Testament scholar John Goldingay addresses Scripture from Genesis to Malachi in such a way that even the most challenging passages are explained simply and concisely. The series is perfect for daily devotions, group study, or personal visits with the Bible. In this volume, Goldingay explores three books of the Old Testament in the wisdom literature genre. These three books are all associated with Solomon and his wisdom, yet unlike other books, they do not mention the Torah, the exodus, or the covenant. As Goldingay says, "The basis of their teaching is the way life actually works. They look at life and reflect on experience and encourage people to live on the basis of how life works." Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs for Everyone explores three practical, down to earth, and hopeful books.

Preaching's Preacher's Guide to the Best Bible Reference "Yahweh sits enthroned, high and lifted up A shoot grows from the stump of Jesse A Servant pours himself out to death Kings and nations stream to Zion" The book of Isaiah's imagery sparkles as it inspires. It draws us in to meditate and extends our vision toward the future. But what should we make of this sprawling and puzzling book—so layered and complex in its composition—as a whole? John Goldingay helps us make sense of this "book called Isaiah" as a tapestry of patterned collages, parts put together in an intentional whole. The Theology of the Book of Isaiah studies the prophecies, messages and theology of each section of the complex book, then unfurls its unifying themes—from Zion to David to the Holy One of Israel. Like a program guide to Handel's Messiah, Goldingay helps us see, hear and understand the grandeur of this prophetic masterpiece among the Prophets.

Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament. Companion to Psalms for Everyone,volume 1.

Westminster John Knox Press is pleased to present the seventeen-volume Old Testament for Everyone series. Internationally respected Old Testament scholar John Goldingay addresses Scripture from Genesis to Malachi in such a way that even the most challenging passages are explained simply and concisely. The series is perfect for daily devotions, group study, or personal visits with the Bible. In this volume, Goldingay explores Psalms 73-15. The psalms, Goldingay says, show us four ways to speak to God: in words of praise, thanksgiving, trust, and supplication. Goldingay provides brief commentary on each psalm and shows how each one can be relevant to contemporary life.

For over one hundred years International Critical Commentaries have had a special place among works on the Bible. They bring together all the relevant aids to exegesis - linguistic, textual, archaeological, historical, literary, and theological - to help the reader understand the meaning of the books of the Old and New Testaments. The new commentaries continue this tradition. All new evidence now available is incorporated and new methods of study are applied. The authors are of the highest international standing. No attempt has been made to secure a uniform theological or critical approach to the biblical text: contributors have been invited for their scholarly distinction, not for their adherence to any one school of thought. Professor John Goldingay, a noted specialist on Deutero and Trito Isaiah continues his breathtaking work of commentary, following his widely acclaimed volumes (with David Payne) of the International Critical Commentary on Isaiah 40-55.

Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

Westminster John Knox Press is pleased to present the seventeen-volume Old Testament for Everyone series. Internationally respected Old Testament scholar John Goldingay addresses Scripture from Genesis to Malachi in such a way that even the most challenging passages are explained simply and concisely. The series is perfect for daily devotions, group study, or personal visits with the Bible. In this volume, Goldingay explores Psalms 1-72. The psalms, Goldingay says, show us four ways to speak to God: in words of praise, thanksgiving, trust, and supplication. Goldingay provides brief commentary on each psalm and shows how each one can be relevant to contemporary life.

Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

This volume in the Old Testament for Everyone series covers one of the most popular books of the Old Testament, a book known for its themes of suffering and doubt. Taking the form of a play, with different characters relating different themes, the book of Job tells the story of one man whose life fell apart, who went to the depths and questioned God, and whose life was eventually rebuilt. Goldingay's careful and compelling commentary explores the book of Job's enduring message and is perfect for daily devotion, Sunday school preparation, or brief visits with the Bible.

'Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther for Everyone' is John Goldingay's next installment on his biblical expedition through the Old Testament, in which he invites anyone who would like to join him for the every-man's theological adventure. Drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay turns his scholarly gaze towards three books of the Bible that hold much wisdom. These books tell us how the Jewish people persevered through oppression, the threat of genocide and intimidation. With strength and determination they rebuilt their community and began to worship as God's people again. For readers today, these insightful and inspiring stories - the faithful priest, the obedient builder and the steadfast Queen - sends ripples of hope, strength and guidance into today's Christian walk. With strikingly clear language and profound analysis, this Bible commentary will help anyone and everyone to understand and engage with the Bible.

This latest volume in the Old Testament for Everyone series contains a look at the Second Temple period in Israel as well as the story of Queen Esther, who saved the Jewish people from extermination. In this popular and ambitious series, John Goldingay covers Scripture from Genesis to Malachi and addresses the texts in such a way that even the most challenging passages are explained simply. Perfect for daily devotions, Sunday school preparation, or brief visits with the Bible, the Old Testament for Everyone series is an excellent resource for the modern reader.

The Minor Prophets are those dozen Old Testament books that, in the time of Jesus, were usually written on one scroll since they were all fairly brief. The late Elizabeth Achtemeier prepared the New International Biblical Commentary on the first six: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah. This second volume deals with the final six books. John Goldingay writes on Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Haggai; Pamela Scalise takes on the longest, Zechariah, and the last, Malachi. Like the authors of other volumes in the NIBC, Goldingay and Scalise utilize what is referred to as "believing criticism" when examining the biblical texts. Based on fidelity to critical analysis and sensitivity to the faith of both ancient and contemporary readers, this balanced approach enriches both the academy and the church. Following the series guidelines, the authors clearly explain the texts with additional notes regarding interpretation and "practical" reflection. For example, Goldingay issues a reminder that when the prophets spoke against the arrogance and sins of Assyria and Babylon, the Israelites needed to hear the word of God as a caution against their own pride and wickedness. He goes on to suggest that modern readers must remember, as well, that the same attitudes and actions that led to the downfall of these ancient Middle East empires can fall upon any and all who follow their example. The New International Biblical Commentary offers the best of contemporary scholarship in a format that both general readers and serious students can use with profit. Based on the widely used New International Version translation, the NIBC presents careful section-by-section exposition with key terms and phrases highlighted and all Hebrew transliterated. A separate section of notes at the close of each chapter provides additional textual, linguistic, cultural, and technical comments. Each commentary also includes a selected bibliography as well as Scripture and subject indexes.

Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.