Too
many failed theories that look to current events as fulfillment of
prophecy should lead us to our obvious need for clear and informed
exegesis of apocalyptic literature. I believe this book will help
fill that need. Whether you desire to become more familiar with Old
Testament apocalyptic literature on your own or in a classroom
setting this text is a good choice and will provide you with the
knowledge and skills to approach the scripture with confidence.
I would say that the
target audience is upper level students of scripture that have had at
least some exposure to biblical languages, but it is not required to
gain a wealth of information for moving forward in interpretation.
The author liberally shares helpful references for further study. It
is assumed however, that the serious student will progress in
biblical languages.
The structure of the
book is straightforward and progresses in a logical and easily
digestible manner. Don’t be unimpressed at it’s small size. In
only six chapters of two hundred pages this little book packs a huge
punch.
Chapter one answers
the question “What is Apocalyptic Literature?” This was a
challenging chapter for me because it is concerned with definitions
that I thought I already understood. I had much to learn and reflect
on. How can one be sure that what you are looking at should be
labeled apocalyptic? “… it may be helpful to think of apocalyptic
literature as a continuum, with some texts further along in their
utilization of apocalyptic features than other works … Such
variation contributes to the difficulty in defining what is meant by
the term apocalyptic.” (p. 30)
Chapter two builds
on the definitions given previously and answers the question “What
are the major themes in apocalyptic literature?” This chapter
introduces a wide range of apocalyptic literature from the Old
Testament, intertestamental Jewish literature, and the Dead Sea
scrolls. Each theme discussed offers examples from a wide range of
apocalyptic literature. Chapter three “Preparing for
Interpretation” is very engaging, after looking at the different
types of figurative language you are given tools and introduced to
approximately fourteen pages of resources that range from Textual /
Grammatical resources and Bible software to pseudepigraphical
literature. Although there is no bibliography in the back of the
book, these pages as well as the generous footnotes throughout more
than make up for that lack. This was perhaps my favorite chapter, a
practical tool belt to fasten your study of the text.
Chapter four offers
guidelines for interpretation as well as practical help to avoiding
common pitfalls. Perhaps the two that I appreciated most are: the
need for “a humility that admits the limits of our knowledge and
refuses to go beyond the clear data of the text” (p.128) and the
discipline to restrain oneself from making arbitrary or fanciful
timetables for Christ’s return. It is right to anticipate the
Lord’s return but when it shall occur is unknowable. (cf. Acts1:17)
Chapter five walks
us through helpful disciplines and offering practical guidelines for
preaching apocalyptic literature. Making the apocalyptic relevant to
modern hearers requires the ability to between the contexts of the
ancient texts and the modern hearers. The author offers his own
outlines of Daniel 7 as an example and leads the reader to how to
accomplish this task on ones own. With pitfalls and problems
discussed he moves from his exegetical outline to his homiletical
outline. Chapter six allows you to practice with two more sections of
apocalyptic literature, Daniel 8 and Joel 2. The author offers his
outlines for each and five pages of reference material to assist in
studying these sections. Lastly there is an appendix of material that
covers the development of Jewish apocalyptic literature as well as a
helpful glossary of terms that are used throughout the book.
This book widened my appreciation of Old Testament apocalyptic literature and the skills to rightly interpret it. I think anyone seeking to exegete with skill and humility will benefit from this work. I would like to thank Kregel Academic for sending me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.
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