Interpreting the Old Testament

Philip Johnston's guide emerges from his experience teaching Hebrew Bible exegesis to seminary students and pastors who often struggle to bridge the gap between ancient text and contemporary application. Written as a practical handbook for those charged with interpreting Old Testament passages for preaching and teaching, the work addresses the common problem of moving too quickly from text to sermon without adequate exegetical foundation, or conversely, getting lost in technical details without reaching meaningful interpretation.

Johnston walks readers through a systematic approach to Old Testament exegesis that begins with establishing the text and understanding its literary context before moving to historical and cultural backgrounds. He emphasizes the importance of Hebrew language study while acknowledging that many readers will work primarily with translations, providing practical guidance for both situations. The book demonstrates how to identify and work with different Old Testament genres—narrative, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, and law—each requiring distinct interpretive approaches. Johnston particularly emphasizes the theological dimension of exegesis, arguing that technical analysis must ultimately serve the goal of understanding what the text reveals about God and his relationship with his people. He provides concrete examples of exegetical method applied to specific passages, showing how careful attention to literary structure, historical context, and canonical connections produces richer interpretation.

The work has found a steady audience among evangelical pastors and students who appreciate its balance of scholarly rigor and pastoral sensitivity. Johnston's approach respects the complexity of Old Testament texts while remaining accessible to those without extensive technical training. Who should read this: pastors and ministry students seeking a methodical approach to Old Testament interpretation that serves both academic study and congregational teaching, though it assumes some familiarity with basic biblical studies concepts and may overwhelm complete beginners to exegesis.