I’m old enough to have sung “Deep and Wide” during Sunday School. I can’t think of a better way to describe John Goldingay’s Israel’s Gospel, the first of a three-volume Old Testament Theology.

This book’s wide because it covers the entire history of Israel: their story, their gospel. Following the English Bible’s order of books, Goldingay begins with the creation story in Genesis (and Proverbs!) and follows humankind as Israel is formed, receives promises, breaks their commitment, is punished by exile, and returns to the land. To top it off, Goldingay appends a 70 page chapter to the end that explains how the Second Testament story continues the narrative.

The book is deep due to Goldingay’s encyclopedic knowledge of scripture. He draws connections within the canon that illuminates the theological perspective of the authors while raising questions at the same time.

Speaking of connections within the canon, it’s important to recognize Goldingay’s theological perspective. While he’s not against historical criticism, he views it as severely limited since there is so much we simply do not know.

I like historical-critical interpretation; I would very much like to interpret the First Testament narratives against their historical background and in light of the relationship between their story and the actual historical events. And sometimes I do that, where I retain some confidence that we can do so. The trouble is, for the most part we do not have the information that would enable us to do it. (866)

Rather than historical-critical, Goldingay offers a literary and canonical approach to the text. The enables a far richer reading that avoids the minutia of redaction critical speculation.

Personally, I most enjoyed the way Goldingay elevated the full spectrum of intra-canonical dialogue. He is not afraid to state the clear message of the text with boldness, even if it challenges theological presuppositions. This level of honesty is commendable.

The book is not difficult to read in terms of language or style. It is, however, something that cannot be rushed. At 900 pages, it’s a commitment, but one worth making for any Christian seeking to understand the faith more deeply. For, as Goldingay says, “Indeed, only when people have learned to take the Old Testament really seriously can they be entrusted with the story of Jesus” (21).

Goldingay, John. Israel’s Gospel. IVP Academic, 2003. Old Testament Theology 1.