God's Messiah in the Old Testament: Expectations of a Coming King - Paperback

by Andrew T. Abernethy (Author), Gregory Goswell (Author)

Two respected Old Testament scholars offer a fresh, comprehensive treatment of the messiah theme throughout the entire Old Testament and examine its relevance for New Testament interpretation. Addressing a topic of perennial interest and foundational significance, this book explores what the Old Testament actually says about the Messiah, divine kingship, and the kingdom of God. It also offers a nuanced understanding of how New Testament authors make use of Old Testament messianic texts in explaining who Jesus is and what he came to do.

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"Essential for anyone interested in messianic hope in Scripture"

This volume offers a fresh, comprehensive treatment of the messiah theme throughout the entire Old Testament and examines its relevance for New Testament interpretation.

"This epic exploration reveals the rich contours of conceptions of the royal messiah in the Old Testament. Those interested in hearing the unique voice of the Old Testament speaking about the royal messiah will be pleased to hear its varied tones throughout the book. Meanwhile, Abernethy and Goswell remind readers how this Old Testament voice provides deeper insight into what the early followers of Jesus saw in him: their long-awaited royal messiah. Students and pastors alike will find this book to be a treasure trove of deep knowledge and powerful reflection."
--Beth M. Stovell, Ambrose University

"For centuries Christians have debated how to relate Old Testament messianic passages to the New Testament's announcement of fulfillment. This volume wisely chooses to read forward, from the Old Testament to the New, to illumine those connections. Abernethy and Goswell focus on the complex mosaic of royal expectations, judiciously working through the entire Old Testament to explain how Jesus is both a Davidic and a divine king. A fresh approach that offers much food for thought!"
--M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), Wheaton College and Graduate School

"Abernethy and Goswell provide a thoughtful, contextual, and canonical study, revealing an interplay of messianic expectation and God's divine kingship that at times surprises and challenges popular assumptions. The volume's scholarly contribution is significant, yet it does not leave aside wonder and worship of the God who rules. This is a volume I'll return to many times and urge my students to read as well."
--Lissa M. Wray Beal, Providence Theological Seminary

"With care and patience, Abernethy and Goswell trace the royal messianic theme through the Old Testament to its reception in the New. The picture that emerges is like a mosaic that is best appreciated when we see it as a whole, because it shows the richness of the Old Testament's witness to this theme. This book will be essential for anyone interested in messianic hope in Scripture."
--David G. Firth, Trinity College Bristol

Author Biography

Andrew T. Abernethy (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is associate professor of Old Testament and degree coordinator of the MA in Biblical Exegesis at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois.

Gregory Goswell (PhD, University of Sydney) is academic dean and lecturer in Old Testament at Christ College, Sydney, Australia.