This innovative volume approaches OT Theology through an analysis of the various portraits of the divine-human relationship found within the OT Canon. Taking as his point of departure the OTs major streams of tradition, Kessler explores the distinctive way in which each one describes the divine calling and desired human response. The result is a work that enables even introductory readers to appreciate the OT as a rich and variegated tapestry, calling for various, complementary, patterns of response within the divine-human relationship. Two introductory chapters discuss the difficulties involved in reading the OT theologically, survey various traditional approaches to reading the OT theologically, and introduce the discipline of OT Theology. A third sets out the foundational methodology of the book: that the OT contains not one but several theological visions, each prioritising a different pattern of response to God. The books central chapters examine the six of the OTs central theological traditions: Creation, Sinai-Covenant, Promise, Priestly, Prayer and Worship, and Wisdom.
Each chapter presents the distinctive vocabulary, ANE context, and OT textual development of the stream under consideration, and concludes with theological reflections and a description of the way in which each stream carries on into the NT. A final chapter explores how an awareness of the diverse theological traditions of the OT can be incorporated into exegesis and contribute to a richer understanding of the canonical text. The volume is accessible for intermediate level students, yet contains extensive in-depth footnotes and bibliography for advanced research.