Theology of the Old Testament

the long version

Probably the preeminent work in demonstrating the unfolding nature of divine revelation in the Old Testament. Oehler shows conclusively that there is a steady progression in O.T. theological revelation. The books of the OT are not, he asserts, to be read alongside one another (the earliest being given the same interpretative weight in doctrinal issues as the later), but sequentially (in temporal order) as the majestic accretion of revelation builds up. One might take the analogy of the acorn and the oak tree: the final oak tree is fully present within the acorn but not fully revealed; as time passes, its majesty is fully revealed, progressively and as it grows. So it it with the internal theological structure of the Old Testament - revelation there is a purposeful process, leading up to and culminating in the New Testament, where Christ brings life and immortality to light. In the early part of this superb work, it should be noted, Oehler makes some concessions to the JEDP theory; those who hold to a conservative view of Scripture should not be discouraged by this. This towering and invaluable book stands virtually alone in its field.