Walton's "Old Testament theology for Christians: From ancient context to enduring belief

Abstract

I have been expecting to write this book since the beginning of my career, but I have also been dreading the prospect and largely avoiding it. Writing a book on the theology of the Old Testament is, in some ways, the height of presumption. Walter Kaiser demonstrated his recognition of these diffi- culties when he wisely included the disclaimer “toward” in the title of his own contribution, Toward an Old Testament Theology. When we throw our hats into the ring of comprehensive theologies, it is not because we have everything figured out. We simply have a few more tidbits to add to the discussions of those who have gone before us; we have a few insights (often instigated by interactions with students) to pass on to students. So we adopt the role of an aqueduct—taking what we have been given and passing it on to those who might benefit from it. The impetus, then, for writing a book like this is not to claim the final word; it is written in the exercise of steward ship. This stewardship calls us to give an account of ourselves after a long career of study and teaching; it causes us to ask the question, What have we got to show for it all?