Finding Favour in the Sight of God: A Theology of Wisdom Literature
in New Studies in Biblical Theology
Pages
264
Publisher
IVP Academic
Published
9/18/2018
ISBN-13
9781783597147
There has been an explosion of interest in wisdom literature, and many studies are now available. There is every opportunity for people to "get wisdom, get insight" (Prov. 4:5). However, in today's world it seems the practical sensibilities that come from wisdom are found in very few places. Wisdom literature is needed now more than ever. By walking in the way of wisdom, we will "find favour and good success in the sight of God and man" (Prov. 3:4).
In this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume, Richard Belcher begins with a survey of the problem of wisdom literature in Old Testament theology. Subsequent chapters focus on the message and theology of the books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. These point forward to the need for Christ and the gospel. Belcher concludes by exploring the relationship of Christ to wisdom in terms of his person, work, and teaching ministry.
Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.
In this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume, Richard Belcher begins with a survey of the problem of wisdom literature in Old Testament theology. Subsequent chapters focus on the message and theology of the books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. These point forward to the need for Christ and the gospel. Belcher concludes by exploring the relationship of Christ to wisdom in terms of his person, work, and teaching ministry.
Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead.
Reviews
BRathbun
September 18, 2021
September 18, 2021
Very nice to have read once. Not one I kept, but so helpful considering there is not much that is helpful for the books usually labeled 'wisdom' books. I concur with the previous reviewer, very good on Proverbs and Job, ehhhh on Ecclesiastes. Glad to have read it and gleaned from it.
armchairtheologian
March 23, 2020
March 23, 2020
There are a number of good biblical wisdom literature handbooks out there, but this one stands out in a couple of ways. First, while many of these handbooks are dated, this one engages with recent scholarly research. Second, the final chapter on Jesus and wisdom makes this book stand apart from other handbooks, which usually focus on the Old Testament and the OT Apocrypha. The biggest weakness of the book is Belcher's treatment of Ecclesiastes, which unfortunately follows Tremper Longman in seeing little or no value in the teaching of the Qohelet.