The Old Testament for Every Preacher

Preachers are given the great honour and responsibility of inviting people into deeper faith and hope through their sermons. There are many books written about the art of preaching but what if the Bible itself could be the greatest resource?

In this comprehensive exploration of communication in the Old Testament, Dr. John Goldingay highlights the four ways communication helped shape the people of God. The models of preaching presented in the Old Testament are story, teachings of the Torah, prophecy, and the psalms. These different forms taught individuals who they were, gave instruction for right relationship with God, confronted the realities of the present while also pointing to the future, and taught how to praise with enthusiasm and pray with boldness. Goldingay practically demonstrates how modern-day preachers may replicate this model by including sermons he preached during his time as a pastor and professor. Written in accessible language, this is a must-read for all who desire to preach in ways that bring about true transformation.

John Goldingay once preached, "Write about things that matter and things that are true and things that will last." This book is all of those. Using approachable language, he introduces essential interpretive attention for different parts of the Old Testament.

Lo Chung Man Anna, PhD

Author of The Laws of the Imperialized (Langham Academic, 2024)

John Goldingay is one of the most insightful biblical scholars of our generation. His numerous books have not just contributed to scholarship but have also helped pastors and other students come to a richer understanding of the text and its significance for our lives today. As the title of his new book announces, John now imparts his wisdom on preaching from the many different genres of the Old Testament.

Tremper Longman III, PhD

Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies,

Westmont College, California, USA

This book becomes especially outstanding for the author's use of real and preached sermons as examples in each section. He demonstrates that "Scripture is a collection of sermons" and does it in an easy-to-read and enjoyable style. This book revives my love for the Old Testament. It is definitely a must-read to every preacher.

Jean P. Musavuli, PhD

Associate Professor of Biblical Studies,

Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo

This book could not have a better title, for it is essential reading for every preacher. This is John Goldingay at his classical best. He has wonderfully woven scholarship, spirituality, and stirring sermons together to gift preachers deep insight into the study and use of the First Testament. More than that, Goldingay practices what he preached and wrote years ago when he identified the problem of the split between merely academic study and study that involves the whole person. In The Old Testament for Every Preacher, Goldingay beautifully and skilfully demonstrates the science of understanding Scripture historically, and the art of making inspired and God-empowered leaps of imagination. Without question, one of the most impactful and influential books on Scripture and preaching I have ever read.

Geoff New, DMin

Minister,

Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

John Goldingay is one of the few Old Testament scholars who has mastered the entire scope of the First Testament. In The Old Testament for Every Preacher, Goldingay explores four major literary forms - Story, Torah, Prophets, and Psalms - and their key features to help preachers stay grounded in Scripture's design and preach faithfully within it. He highlights the purposes of each form, inspiring preaching that transforms beings and actions in line with God's revelation, from its ancient context to contemporary relevance - a must-read guide for preachers, scholars, and students alike.

Chloe T. Sun, PhD

Professor of Old Testament,

Fuller Seminary, California, USA