There is little doubt that in recent years the nature of the Genesis narrative has sparked much debate among Christians. This Counterpoints volume introduces three predominant interpretive genres and their implications for biblical understanding. Each contributor identifies their position on the genre of Genesis 1-11, addressing why it is appropriate to the text, and contributes examples of its…
Under the reign of a murderous pharaoh, Moses' parents were forced to trust God for the life of their child. Years later, Moses showed this same faith in leading the Israelites out of Egypt into the land God had promised them. Though there were many conflict in Moses' lifetime, he never allowed them to compromise his relationship with God. His submission to God and His law - regardless of the c…
King David was a deeply flawed man, yet he became one of the greatest leaders in history. His story reminds us that we are all imperfect and subject to tragic failure, but that God can still use us when we humbly and sincerely seek forgiveness. Though forgiven, David paid for his sins dearly - particularly in the life of his family. But, he never resigned himself to a life of despair as did his…
Modern idols come in many forms: money, power, position, prestige. Elijah dedicated himself to destroying the idols of his day with deep conviction and unwavering tenacity that few have equalled since. His simple, straightforward prophecy to Ahab was that there would be no rain until the people destroyed their idols. Even though Elijah was a time fearful, lonely, and lacking in faith, he remai…
After his twin brother, Esau, sold his birthright to him for a bowl of soup, Jacob thought his life would be one of comfort and ease. Yet Jacob paid dearly for that deception and others as he tried for fulfill God's promise on his own, rather than having faith that God would fulfill them in His time, Jacob received a taste of his own bitter medicine as he was tricked into marrying Leah, the old…
As personal cupbearer to the great Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah lived a life of incredible luxury. Yet, despite his pagan environment, he never forsook the Lord. When he heard of the destruction of Jerusalem, Nehemiah gave up the pleasures of the royal court to take on the seemingly impossible task of rebuilding the city. He knew he could never manage such a crisis alone; his only chance w…
Someone once said, "The past is another country - they do things differently there. "At times, indeed, the Old Testament resembles another very different country. Maneuvering through levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old The New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this diffic…
The Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch is the first in a four-volume series covering the text of the Old Testament. Following in the tradition of the four award-winning InterVarsity Press dictionaries focused on the New Testament and its background, this encyclopedic work is characterized by close attention to the text of the Old Testament and the ongoing conversation of contemporary s…
Someone once said, "The past is another country - they do things differently there. "At times, indeed, the Old Testament resembles another very different country. Maneuvering through levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old The New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this diffic…