The Old Testament is a massive collection of literature written and compiled over centuries by many different authors and editors. Old Testament theologians have long sought to find the theme that holds the Old Testament together. Mark J. Boda takes a novel approach to this question by finding three creedal themes throughout the Old Testament that together make one heartbeat.

The first creedal expression is the “narrative rhythm” (9–25). A clear recitation of this creed is found in Deuteronomy:

We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. The Lord displayed before our eyes great and awesome signs and wonders against Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his household. He brought us out from there in order to bring us in, to give us the land that he promised on oath to our ancestors. (Deut 6:21–23)

Second is the “character rhythm” (27–51) found in Exodus:

The Lord, the Lord,
a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger,
and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,
keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation,
forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin,
yet by no means clearing the guilty,
but visiting the iniquity of the parents
upon the children
and the children’s children,
to the third and the fourth generation.
(Exod 34:6–7)

Third is the “relational rhythm” (53–75). A clear example of this is in Leviticus:

And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people. (Lev 26:12)

These three creeds are repeated in various forms throughout the Old Testament, which Boda makes clear through comprehensive charts. Moreover, these three creedal expressions are tightly integrated. Exodus 5:22–6:8, for example, includes all three themes of narrative, character, and relationship.

Perhaps most interesting is the chapter on the New Testament. Boda, an Old Testament theologian, demonstrates clearly how these three interwoven themes are not limited to the Old Testament. Rather, they are “continued and brought to a climax in and through Jesus and his community” (120).

The Heartbeat of Old Testament Theology is an academic yet very readable book that will help modern day Christians understand the overarching theme of the massive collection of literature we call the Old Testament.

Boda, Mark J. The Heartbeat of Old Testament Theology: Three Creedal Expressions. Baker Academic, 2017.