Finally—all of the years of study and insight into the world of the Pentateuch by John Sailhamer are gathered in one place! It is a treasure of OT theology that is certainly worthy of attention and study.

I have to admit my personal bias toward the teachings and biblical observations of John Sailhamer. During my M.Div. studies, I took Intermediate and Advanced Hebrew along with additional OT studies, not because they were required for my degree but because Sailhamer was the teaching professor of those courses! When I walked into his classroom, I walked into the OT. His lectures seemed to rise from within, from behind, from under the text. His insights into the text were so surprising, yet founded squarely on the text, I was sure he conversed with Moses and Abraham directly!

Sailhamer’s approach, compositional theology, is not unique, but his application of compositional strategy is. His interpretation of the Pentateuch, and therefore of the rest of the OT, is a striking balance between dispensational theology and covenant theology, between conservative regard for the inspiration of the text and critical observations of how that inspired text has sources behind it. The result is a profound and fresh reading of the OT!

To sum up Sailhamer’s findings, the NT is in the OT, the new covenant is there as well as the Messiah. The NT is not a new reading of the OT. The NT authors interpreted OT texts just as they were interpreted by OT authors and their audiences! (OT authors mainly being ostracized prophets.) The NT does put a new spin on the OT. The NT is only repeating what the OT has already said!

For you to be convinced, you have to read his collected studies, all 612 pages! However, once you do, you will NEVER read the OT the same anymore and you will be glad you did!

When I read Sailhamer’s conclusion, I thought if I ever recommended this book, I would recommend that a newcomer to Sailhamer’s thoughts should read the conclusion first. It provides a nice, clear, succinct summary of the book. If you read it first, it will equip you with an understanding of where he is going and therefore aid in grasping the content of his observations as you read. Take the following sentences in the conclusion for example:

“My general conclusion was that the message of the Pentateuch is not so much about Mosaic law and Sinai covenant as it is about the prophetic hope of a new covenant. At the center of that hope, and extending to the whole of the Pentateuch, is the role of the king from the house of Judah who will reign over Israel and the nations. I found that focus particularly in the poems that accompany the narratives” (p. 603).

*Of particular interest and fascination is Sailhamer’s demonstration of how the design, placement, and theology of the poems throughout the Pentateuch, and the OT, convey the main theology of the OT!

Concerning weaknesses, it’s hard for a student like me that appreciates the wisdom of a teacher like Sailhamer to offer any critiques! Some have commented that Sailhamer repeats material too often. It is true that there is much repetition in this work, however, I would suggest that the bulk of it is necessary for two reasons. First, often the repetition of theological insight is demonstrating another point being made. For example, the poetic theology illustrates not only that point but also how one finds that same theology throughout the OT. Second, given Sailhamer’s uncommon observations, repetition enables the reader to grasp what is being said. It helps bring understanding when something new is repeated often and in different contexts.

If you love the OT, read this book.