R. W. L. Moberly - Old Testament theology : reading the Hebrew Bible as Christian scripture

I n this book I discuss some of the scriptural content that I have thought about, prayed about, given addresses about, and taught for the last twenty years or so. I have written some earlier and shorter versions of the subject matter of each chapter, though each chapter here is a genuinely new discussion. Those who know me may recognize some of the songs that I sing. I hope that the books content, like a good wine, may have acquired some depth and flavor through the long period of its being aged and matured in the mental cellar.

The book is also a sequel and complement to my work The Theology of the Book of Genesis (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009). Both there and here I try to model a way of doing Old Testament theology that is built around a dialectic between ancient text and contemporary questions, within a Christian frame of reference that is alert to other frames of reference. In the earlier book the readings of the biblical text are restricted to Genesis; here they range (selectively) across the canon of Hebrew scripture; also the readings here are fuller and more detailed than was possible in the earlier book.

Although I had made a start on the book earlier, most of it was written in the spring and summer of 2012, while I was on regular research leave. I am grateful to my colleagues for taking over many of my responsibilities so as to give me space and time to write. As usual, I did not travel on my research leave but remained in the congenial context of Abbey House, with books and friends (and a wonderful view of the cathedral) readily accessible.

I am, as always, deeply grateful to friends who have read drafts of the material and suggested improvements. My wife, Jenny, meticulously read everything and helped improve my clarity of thought and expression. David Day warned me when I was in danger of becoming too heavy for the non-specialist reader. Richard Briggs gave me some aha! moments for improving my argument. Anthony Bash ruthlessly weeded out some of my irritating and redundant English idioms of which I had ceased to be aware. Patrick Morrow gave me some wonderful insights from the rabbis and helped fine-tune some of what Im trying to say. Even if I did not incorporate all their wisdom, I hope they will all find that the text has improved since they read it. As ever, though, only I can be blamed for my decisions and delinquencies. I am grateful also to Jon Parker, who as my research assistant for some of the time made access to some of the bibliography much easier. (If only I too could be as computer literate as my research students.)

I have much appreciated the publishing process with Baker Academic. Jim Kinney has been a congenial colleague at conferences for many years, and I am happy to show concrete appreciation for his wining and dining me! He has also valuably contributed to the shape of this book. Brian Bolger has been a helpful and responsive editor, a pleasure to work with. Finally, I am grateful for the local help of my friend Douglas Earl for his compilation of the indexes.