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The authors of this book set out to meet a current need in both undergraduate and graduate level courses. Too often courses and textbooks in Old Testament theology focus on the end product of Old Testament theology. Readers see the results, but the writer’s thought process is not always made transparent. This text seeks to make the thought process of the author clear by including the author’s exegesis, as well as including the author’s perspective on the theological theme in question framed within a discussion of the gospel.

In addition, Old Testament theologies often pay little attention to the ongoing role of Old Testament theological themes in the New Testament. Rather than simply pointing to passages in which Old Testament themes are explicitly utilized, this text provides a discussion of how the Old Testament themes inform our understanding of New Testament texts.

Trajectories addresses those challenges for students through a biblical orientation to the study of Old Testament theology. Thematically organized chapters address many of the major themes of the Old Testament. Each chapter analyzes key biblical passages that inform the theme in question so that the textbook may serve as a companion study guide to courses in the Old Testament. In addition, the exploration of thematic topics allows the study to better provide a link to the New Testament and the contemporary church.

Each chapter addresses a single theological topic of the Old Testament through exegetical and theological analysis of relevant biblical texts. By including three scholars whose research emphases complement each other, the text brings multiple evangelical voices to the table and provides examples of the manner in which different scholars develop Old Testament themes. The chapters conclude with an assessment of how each theological theme may be applied to the contemporary Christian church, along with questions for group discussion and reflection.

Finally, Trajectories seeks to situate Old Testament theology in relation to global and generational trends influencing the church and evangelical theology. The implications of globalization and the rise of the millennials on Old Testament theology are specifically addressed.

In sum, this theology Old Testament approaches the Old Testament as a theological text. Each essay presumes that humanity has become confused about God, about human nature, about the problems and solutions people face, and about the world they inhabit. This disorientation often encourages activities counter to the reign of God. The Old Testament, however, also describes a reality in which God participates. Humanity is not left alone, but given the opportunity to see beyond what appears to be insurmountable constraints and to live a life of obedience to God. As a counterpoint to humanity’s misperceptions and misdirected desires, the Old Testament offers a vision of reality in which God governs, sustains, tests, calls, protects, disciplines, delivers, and transforms those who are faithful to Him.