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The wisdom literature of the Bible (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs) is filled with practical principles for everyday life. While some Christians are deterred by the seemingly general nature of these matter-of-fact guidelines, they are as integral to God's purposes for his people as the explicitly theological material that dominates other parts of Scripture. The wisdom books in their own unique way enrich and strengthen the church. From back cover.

A valuable resource for pastors and students, second volume in the HOTE series begins by explaining the nature of Hebrew poetry and the purpose of the Psalms. Old Testament scholar Mark Futato next explores issues related to properly interpreting Israel's songbook, and concludes with a sample of moving from interpretation to proclamation. A glossary is included.

David M. Howard, Jr. (PhD, University of Michigan) is professor of Old Testament and dean of the Center for Biblical and Theological Foundations at Bethel Seminary. Howard, the son of missionary parents, lived in Costa Rica and Colombia from 1953 to 1967. He taught at Bethel Seminary from 1982 to 1990 before joining the Old Testament faculty at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School for seven years. He then taught at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for three years. Howard is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS), the Society of Biblical Literature, and the Institute for Biblical Research. He served as book review editor (Old Testament) of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society from 1994 to 2003, and served as president of the ETS in 2003. He has published five books and numerous journal articles, book chapters, and essays. Since 1998 he has taught semi-annually as visiting professor at the Emmanuel University of Oradea in Oradea, Romania.

This valuable reference tool for students and pastors explores the components of the narrative genre--setting, characterization, and plot--and then develops the major theological themes in each of the Old Testament historical books.

Taylor begins with a helpful introduction to the genre of apocalyptic literature; surveys its purpose, message, and primary themes in the Old Testament; and then discusses critical questions and key works for further study. He also provides guidelines for interpreting apocalyptic texts. Included are sample sermon texts from apocalyptic literature. Using texts from both Daniel and Joel, Taylor shows how to outline apocalyptic passages. - from back of book.