Delighting in the Old Testament

How does Jesus impact our study and application of the Old Testament? In Delighting in the Old Testament, Jason S. Derouchie helps you understand the Old Testament’s purpose in the Christian’s life today.

Christ’s Kingdom Program

At around 300 pages, this is an academic yet enlightening book. Part 1 begins by showing how Jesus helps Christians interpret the Old Testament. Derouchie compellingly makes the case that the Old Testament writers knew their audience could not and would not understand the full meaning of their messages. The mystery of gospel salvation is revealed by and through Jesus Christ.

I was most interested in Part 2, where Derouchie explains the biblical narrative with the concept of a kingdom program that centers and culminates in Jesus. He highlights seven ways to see and celebrate Christ in the Old Testament, from considering the Old Testament’s salvation-historical trajectories to using the Old Testament to instruct others. He uses the book of Genesis as a case study, with rich and rewarding results.

Promises and Law

Part 3 shows how Jesus secures every divine promise, making direct reference to why and how every promise is “Yes” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). It is a challenging section, with special consideration to the importance of correctly claiming Old Testament promises. This is a welcome push against modern prosperity teachers, while remaining hopeful.

The book ends with Part 4 showcasing how Moses’s Law relates to Christians. The Law continues to impact us through Christ, who maintains, transforms, or annuls them. I was most moved with the conclusion that we can and should read the Old Testament Scripture through the light and lens of Christ, and that we have the ability to contemplate how Jesus embodies every ethical ideal from Old Testament law or wisdom. This was especially relevant and helpful to me as I am currently preaching through the book of Proverbs.

The Complete Picture

This book will challenge and change the way you approach and appreciate the Old Testament. It is a landmark work that will continue to guide and correct Old and New Testament interpretation. Come and see the complete picture of Christ.

I received a media copy of Delighting in the Old Testament and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.