Presence, Power and Promise (Paperback)

David G. Firth

ISBN 10: 1844745341 / ISBN 13: 9781844745340

Published by Inter-Varsity Press, Nottingham, 2011

About this Item

Paperback. The Hebrew word reah, 'spirit', occurs over three hundred times in the Old Testament, with a range of meanings: breeze, breath, wind, spirit. Although more references are possible, thirty-nine of these are clearly connected with God, e.g. 'Spirit of God', 'Spirit of the Lord'. It appears that God's Spirit is the energizing force that empowers people to serve him in some way a" ruling, defeating enemies, judging, prophesying. However, while the Spirit of God is an important subject in the Old Testament, it has been the focus of surprisingly little scholarship. In response, this volume assembles some of the best Old Testament scholars to address various aspects of the subject. Major thematic essays and studies of specific, relevant biblical texts are arranged in eight main sections: orientation and Ancient Near Eastern context; the Spirit and creation, wisdom, creativity, prophesy, leadership and the future; and finally, the Spirit at Qumran. Here is evangelical scholarship that will inform, stimulate and reward diligent students, teachers and preachers of the Old Testament. The contributors are Andrew Abernethy, Richard E. Averbeck, Daniel I. Block, Robert B. Chisholm Jr, Rosalind Clarke, Daniel J. Estes, David G. Firth, Jamie A. Grant, Richard S. Hess, Robert L. Hubbard Jr, Tremper Longman III, Geert W. Lorein, Hilary Marlow, Eugene H. Merrill, Erika Moore, John W. Oswalt, Robin Routledge, Willem VanGemeren, John H. Walton, Paul D. Wegner and Lindsay Wilson. The editors: David G. Firth is Director of Extension Studies at St John's College, Nottingham, England. He is the author of 1 & 2 Samuel (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) and The Message of Esther, and co-editor of Interpreting the Psalms, Interpreting Isaiah and Words and the Word. Paul D. Wegner is Professor of Old Testament at Phoenix Seminary, Arizona. He is the author of A Student's Guide to Textual Criticism, The Journey from Texts to Translations and Using Old Testament Hebrew in Preaching. Discover the Spirit of God in the Old Testament through breath, wind, and prophecy. Explore insights from leading scholars on its profound impact on Israel's faith. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781844745340

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Presence, Power and Promise (Paperback)
• Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press, Nottingham
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1844745341
• ISBN 13: 9781844745340
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

A rigorous exploration of the Spirit of God in the Old Testament - where breath, wind, wisdom, and prophecy converge across history, poetry, and the ancient Near East.

What happens when the Spirit of God enters the landscape of Ancient Israel? With contributions from leading scholars like Tremper Longman III, John H. Walton, and Daniel I. Block, this compelling volume traces a rich and intricate portrait of the Spirit - moving from Genesis' primordial wind to the creative insights of Israel's wisdom literature, prophetic oracles, and even the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran.

Far from theological abstractions, these pages focus on specific questions: How did Israel's understanding of ruah - "breath," "wind," "spirit" - shape its vision of leadership, prophecy, and divine presence? Where do creation, poetry, law, and restoration merge under the empowering hand of the Spirit? How do figures like Bezalel, Job, and the psalmists encounter God's energy on the ground? Readers encounter topics ranging from leadership and empowerment to the Spirit’s creative force in both the mundane and miraculous.

Perfect for those passionate about Old Testament theology, biblical exegesis, or the roots of Christian pneumatology, this book grounds every discussion in the Old Testament's gritty, evocative imagery. Its reflections open a window on how the Spirit's presence, power, and promise still shape the big questions - and details - of faith, vocation, and community.

About the Authors

David G. Firth is Director of Extension Studies at St John's College, Nottingham, England. He is the author of '1 & 2 Samuel' (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) and 'The Message of Esther', and co-editor of 'Interpreting the Psalms', 'Interpreting Isaiah' and 'Words and the Word'.

Paul D. Wegner (PhD, Kings College, University of London) is distinguished professor of Old Testament at Gateway Seminary, Ontario, California, with a specialty in the study of Isaiah. He taught at Phoenix Seminary for eleven years and, before that, at Moody Bible Institute for nearly thirteen years. He is the author of A Student's Guide to Textual Criticism, The Journey from Texts to Translations, Using Old Testament Hebrew in Preaching, and An Examination of Kingship and Messianic Expectation in Isaiah 1-35