Yale University Library Research Guides: Hebrew Bible Interpretation I &amp; II: Theological Interpretation

Canon Criticism and the Hebrew Bible

Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination by Walter Brueggemann Introduces the reader to the broad theological scope and chronological sweep of the Hebrew Bible.
Old Testament Theology in a Canonical Context by Brevard S. Childs A classic text on moving from canonical criticism to biblical theology from a former YDS professor.
Old Testament Theology by Gerhard von Rad; Walter Brueggemann (Introduction by) Applies the most advanced results of form criticism to develop a new understanding of the Bible. Translated from German original.
An Old Testament Theology: An Exegetical, Canonical, and Thematic Approach by Charles Yu; Bruce K. Waltke Takes the task of OT Theology from a broadly evangelical perspective.

The Message of Isaiah by Barry G. Webb A theological interpretation of Isaiah from an evangelical perspective.
The Prophecy of Isaiah by J. Alec Motyer Pays particular attention to three recurring themes: the messianic hope, the motif of the city and the theology of the Holy One of Israel.
A Commentary on Jeremiah by Walter Bruggemann Theological and homiletical commentary.
Ezekiel by Joseph Blenkinsopp Explores the message and meaning of Ezekiel, one of the longest and most difficult of the prophetic books. An introduction explains what is involved in reading a prophetic book, and how the book of Ezekiel was put together and structured. It looks at the form of speech used and discusses Ezekiel's author and those who transmitted, edited, and enlarged upon what he had to say.

Contours of Old Testament Theology (Online) by Bernhard W. Anderson A theological reflection on the Hebrew Bible in conversation with Christian scholars (Eichrodt, von Rad, Childs) and Jewish scholars (Heschel, Herberg, Levenson).
Theological Interpretation of the Old Testament by Kevin J. Vanhoozer (Editor); Craig G. Bartholomew (Associate Editor); Daniel J. Treier (Associate Editor) Provides a book-by-book theological reading of the Hebrew Bible.
A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament by Mark W. Hamilton An introduction that addresses theological issues while considering the massive sweep of literary types and ways of expressing ideas about God.
Theologies in the Old Testament (Online) A translation from a German original. Includes discussion of the evolution of God in the Hebrew Bible, and the impact of the exile on theological reflection on God.
A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch by Richard S. Briggs (Editor); Joel N. Lohr (Editor) Explores the theological dimensions of the Pentateuch and provides specific examples of critically engaged theological interpretation.

Haggai, Zechariah by Mark J. Boda A homiletical commentary but contains valuable exegetical observations.
Hosea-Micah by James Limburg Introduces the first six of the minor prophets and provides a commentary that relates to today's world. He demonstrates why attention should be given to the words of these prophets as they communicate the word of God.
Nahum-Malachi by Elizabeth R. Achtemeier Sets the Minor Prophets in their canonical context emphasizing the relationship between the message of these prophets and the New Testament.

Psalms 101-150 by Leslie C. Allen Theological commentary with discussion of previous scholarship.
Psalms 51-100 by Marvin E. Tate Theological commentary with attention to the final form of the Psalter
Job by Samuel E. Balentine A theological commentary.
Ecclesiastes by William P. Brown
Lamentations by F. W. Dobbs-Allsopp

Genesis by Walter Brueggemann A commentary on Genesis geared towards preaching and teaching.
Exodus by Terence E. Fretheim A homiletically oriented commentary.
Leviticus by Samuel E. Balentine A commentary on Leviticus geared towards preaching and teaching.
Numbers by Dennis T. Olson A popular homiletical commentary.
Deuteronomy by Patrick D. Miller; James L. Mays (Editor); Paul J. Achtemeier (Editor) A theological exposition of Deuteronomy.

Joshua by Jerome F. D. Creach A historical and theological take on the book of Joshua.
Judges by J. Clinton McCann A theological commentary on Judges.
First and Second Samuel by Walter Brueggemann Traces theologically the people of God through the books of Samuel as they shift from marginalized tribalism to oppressive monarchy.
1 and 2 Kings by Peter J. Leithart A theological commentary on 1 and 2 Kings from more evangelical perspective.