Old Testament Theology : Where to begin?

So if you're like me, you struggle to articulate the theological beliefs of the Old Testament, since you were raised reading the New Testament. Naturally, when we read books such as Galatians we're immediately conditioned to think that Old Testament theology is impossible since we are told the Law is no longer useful. The fact remains however, we must grasp theology of the Old Testament if we desire to preach, teach and understand the background of the New Testament. Here are a few books that I read in Old Testament Theology which I'd recommend as sources to consider for grasping the OT. 


Current Studies / Hot Topics

• Hayes, John H., and Frederick Prussner. Old Testament Theology: Its History and Development. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1985.
• Purpose: To introduce and explain the early eras of Old Testament theology 
• Baker, David W., and Bill T. Arnold, eds. The Face of Old Testament Studies: A Survey of Contemporary Approaches. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1999. 
• Purpose: to provide papers on the current status of Old Testament Studies.
• Hasel, Gerhard, Old Testament Theology: Basic Issues in the Current Debate. 4 ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.  
• Purpose: To provide a guide to seminal works on OT Theology.
• Barr, James. The Concept of Biblical Theology: An Old Testament Perspective. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1999.  
• Purpose: Can OT Theology be accomplished?

Topical

• Brueggemann, Walter. Old Testament Theology: An Introduction. In Library of Biblical Theology. Nashville: Abingdon, 2008.  
• Purpose: To provide entry into The Library of Biblical Theology, by showing contrasting themes.
• Gabler, Johann. An Oration on the Proper Distinction between Biblical and Dogmatic Theology (1787). In OT Theology ED. Ben Ollenburger
• Purpose: To move away from "Dogmatics." A system of principles laid down by an authority, especially the Roman Catholic Church, as incontrovertibly true.

Interpretation Methods

• VanGemeren, Willem A., editor. A Guide to Old Testament Theology and Exegesis. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997.  
• Purpose: Theological compilation, 10 articles to introduce interp methods and difficulties of OT Theology.

Commentary

• Waltke, Bruce. Old Testament Theology.  
• Purpose: Canonical Theological Commentary

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