Figural Reading and the Old Testament: Theology and Practice - Paperback

by Don C. Collett (Author)

Don Collett, an experienced Old Testament scholar, offers an account of Old Testament interpretation that capitalizes on recent research in figural exegesis. Collett examines the tension between figural and literal modes of exegesis as they developed in Christian thought, introduces ongoing debates and discussions concerning figural readings of Scripture, and offers theological readings of several significant Old Testament passages. This book will work well as a primer on figural exegesis for seminarians or as a capstone seminary text that ties together themes from courses in Bible, exegesis, and theology.

Back Jacket

Collett rightly claims that Christ himself is the one who shaped the history of Israel in a figural manner. Squarely grounded in the Yale School's claim that the Old Testament provides its own distinct witness to Christ, Figural Reading and the Old Testament presents a carefully argued yet bold defense of allegorical exegesis. This book offers a perceptive antidote to the modern occlusion of divine providence from biblical interpretation.
--Hans Boersma, Nashotah House Theological Seminary

"Collett weaves together sure-footed knowledge of Christian doctrine, hermeneutics, and detailed exegesis, sweeping down often to make a point on textual detail. He gives a masterly account of the implications of modernity replacing providence with consciousness. Throughout, he rightly insists that the Old Testament is not abolished by the New Testament but that the latter uses the former's memory to make the most and perfect sense of the events around Christ."
--Mark Elliott, University of Glasgow

"In this challenging book, Collett weaves together profound hermeneutical reflection, wide-ranging exploration of the ancient and modern history of biblical interpretation, and close reading of biblical texts in his effort to understand the Old Testament's witness to Christ."
--David Yeago, Trinity School for Ministry

"This book demonstrates convincingly and sympathetically how a correct appraisal of the Old Testament's literal sense is crucial to basic Christian claims. Collett provides at once a basic introduction to the relevant issues and a penetrating examination of extended sense-making in the history of Christian interpretation. Highly recommended."
--Christopher R. Seitz, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

"Skilled in canonical and cultural-linguistic reading, Collett points out and resolves breaches between the Testaments, between literal and theological senses, between metaphysics and hermeneutics in theology, and so by implication between the tasks of the preacher and the aims of seminary curricula. This book closes the breach between student and academic audiences as well, and I heartily commend it to both."
--George Sumner, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas

"We have long needed a serious discussion of figural reading from within the biblical guild, informed by the application of honed exegetical knowledge. Collett has exceeded our wildest hopes in providing us with a profound and detailed study of the Old Testament's textually embedded figural meaning. This book should be required reading in every seminary course in Scripture and theology."
--Ephraim Radner, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

Author Biography

Don C. Collett (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is associate professor of Old Testament and director of the MDiv program at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. He is an expert on the Book of the Twelve and on issues relating to the biblical canon.