This blog post is an extended summary of Sailhamer's work. I highly recommend you pick it up.

All are welcome to read the post, but my hope is that this summary will benefit pastors. This goal guides my approach in the summary as you will see.

Chapter One: Introduction

In his opening chapter, Sailhamer introduces key concepts that shape how we approach Old Testament theology and outlines the challenges we must address.

1. Theology as a Science?

Sailhamer makes a bold yet intriguing argument: theology can be understood as a science. While it may seem unusual to compare theology with disciplines like biology or astrophysics, there are important similarities. All these fields seek to explore and explain their subjects through careful study and examination. In the case of theology, the subject is God's revelation.

Since Christians believe God reveals Himself through creation and Scripture, this divine revelation can be studied and understood. Sailhamer writes, “Theology, being to some extent also a science, is an attempt to formulate God’s revelation into themes and propositions. It is the scientific explication of revelation” (Sailhamer 1995, 13).

As pastors, this view challenges us to approach the Old Testament with the mindset that we are carefully studying God's message to humanity. Consequently, we should subject ourselves to a rigorous process of study and be open to revising our positions when we grasp certain concepts better.

2. The Old Testament as Divine Revelation

A key challenge in Old Testament theology is whether we acknowledge the Old Testament as divine revelation. Sailhamer points out that some scholars may view the Old Testament as merely an ancient religious text, no different from other religious writings.

For Sailhamer, this is a critical point of departure. He asserts that viewing the Old Testament as divinely inspired is fundamental to giving it authoritative status. His theology, like the historic Christian claim, starts with the belief that the Bible—Old Testament included—is God's revelation to humanity. This perspective can strengthen a pastor's conviction when preaching from the Old Testament, knowing that it carries divine authority.

3. The Old Testament in Light of the New

Since Sailhamer’s focus is on Old Testament theology, he highlights both the opportunity and challenge of interpreting it within the broader Christian framework. The very term "Old Testament" implies the existence of a "New Testament."

Sailhamer emphasizes two critical points for preachers:

• First, the Old Testament is always viewed in light of the New Testament. It naturally anticipates the arrival of Christ and the New Testament’s fulfillment. As Sailhamer writes, “OT theology anticipates the study of NT theology, and there is no possibility of working without this anticipation” (Sailhamer 1995, 23).

• Second, the Old Testament stands alone with a unique message. While the New Testament fulfills its promises, the Old Testament retains its own integrity and meaning.

This means pastors must honor both the continuity between the Testaments and the distinctiveness of the Old Testament’s message. It speaks to us today not just as a precursor to the New Testament, but as a powerful testament of God’s work in its own right.

Conclusion: Strengthening Your Preaching of the Old Testament

Sailhamer’s insights help pastors preach the Old Testament with greater understanding and confidence. By treating theology as a disciplined study of God's revelation, recognizing the Old Testament's divine authority, and respecting its unique message, pastors can engage with the text more fully. This approach empowers you to connect Old Testament themes to the broader biblical narrative while affirming the richness of its standalone message.

When preparing sermons, let these principles guide your exploration of the Old Testament, knowing that it offers profound truths that can shape and deepen your congregation's faith.

Chapter Two: Methodology

In the second chapter, Sailhamer describes the various approaches to Old Testament Theology adopted by different scholars. He identifies four sets of options to doing Old Testament Theology.

1. Text or Event - These approaches differ over where they think revelation resides.
2. Critical or Canonical - The critical approach takes the OT apart to recover its earliest forms, whereas the canonical assumes its form is equivalent with what we have in the canon.
3. Descriptive or confessional - The former treats the Bible like any other text. The latter treats it as a confessional document demanding confessional interpretive presuppositions.
4. Diachronic or Synchronic - The diachronic looks at the development of the OT. The synchronic looks at its meaning as a whole.

Over the next several chapters, Sailhamer explores each of these topics in greater depth.