Wisdom for Faithful Reading

Principles and Practices for Old Testament Interpretation

By: John H. Walton

Narrated by: Jim Denison

The church has too often lost its way in reading the Old Testament for lack of sound principles of interpretation. When careless habits get us off track, we can lose sight of what the Bible is really saying, derailing our own spiritual growth and even risking discredit to God's word.

We need a consistent approach to give us confidence as faithful interpreters. In Wisdom for Faithful Reading, trusted Old Testament scholar John Walton lays out his best practices developed over four decades in the classroom. His principles are memorable, practical, and enlightening, including:

- The Bible is written for us, but not to us.

- Reading the Bible instinctively is not reliable.

- More important than what the characters do is what the narrator does with the characters and what God is doing through the characters.

- Not everything has a "biblical view."

Along with identifying common missteps, Walton's insights point the way to stay focused on what the Old Testament text communicated to its original audience—and what it has to say for us today. When we submit ourselves to be accountable to the authors' intentions we experience the true authority of Scripture, and faithful reading fuels a faithful life.

©2023 John H. Walton (P)2023 eChristian

Reasoned and Thought-Provoking

I’m a huge fan of John H. Walton and very much enjoy his well-supported Biblical analysis. Through this and his other books, I feel much closer to God’s chosen people in the Ancient Near East as well as have a much deeper understanding of God’s plans and purposes in the world. God’s word is so sacred and we should let the Bible speak on its own terms and not impress our own presuppositions on it. Mr. Walton will help provide the tools you need to be a faithful reader of God’s precious word.

Another Excellent book by John H. Walton

I’ve enjoyed John H. Walton's books over the years.
In his “Lost World” Series, he has shared many tips on how to properly interpret the Old Testament.
His popular book, "The Lost World of Genesis 1 (IVP, 2009} is among the most influential books I have ever enjoyed.
The title of this recent book is a apt; "Wisdom for Faithful Reading" is a compilation of successful practices developed through years of writing and teaching.
The book does not attempt to provide a complete method of interpretation, it simply provides a series of proper practices for dedicated students and teachers.

This book will influence how you interpret and understand Scripture. It is written in a non-technical way that is easy to understand. Numerous Scriptural examples support each principle and throw light upon difficult passages.
Using the principles illustrated in this volume would quiet the many poorly thought out biblical interpretations that pollute the internet.

A must read for every serious God follower.

Full of wisdom from cover to cover. The author presents a clear message and easy to follow along.

Every Christian should read this book.

This is an excellent book that every Christian should read. It is a life changer in how we read and understand the Bible.

Walton is this generations bible genius!

Pulls no punches on incorrect readings of scripture, but does so out of an obvious love and respect for it, not cynicism.