Jim Hamilton's Biblical Theology

Lately, there has been a welcome movement in biblical studies, namely, biblical theology. While several attempts are being made in articulating what biblical theology should look like in a broad sense, there has always been the requisite Old Testament and New Testament Theologies that have come across the bookshelves at a tremendous pace over the last few years.

There is still, however, a fairly bare market when it comes to a full-fledged biblical theology that spans both testaments. This is why I was excited to see that Jim Hamilton, Associate Professor of Biblical Theology at Southern Seminary is soon to release his own contribution to a sparse field. Here are the particulars:

God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment: A Biblical Theology
480 pages

Publisher: Crossway Books (November 30, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1581349769
Product Description:


Moves through the Bible book by book to demonstrate that there is a theological center: God’s glory in salvation through judgment.


In Exodus 34 Moses asks to see God’s glory, and God reveals himself as a God who is merciful and just. James Hamilton Jr. contends that from this passage comes a biblical theology that unites the meta-narrative of Scripture under one central theme: God’s glory in salvation through judgment.


Hamilton begins in the Old Testament by showing that Israel was saved through God’s judgment on the Egyptians and the Caananites. God was glorified through both his judgment and mercy, accorded in salvation to Israel. The New Testament unfolds the ultimate display of God’s glory in justice and mercy, as it was God’s righteous judgment shown on the cross that brought us salvation. God’s glory in salvation through judgment will be shown at the end of time, when Christ returns to judge his enemies and save all who have called on his name.

Hamilton moves through the Bible book by book, showing that there is one theological center to the whole Bible. The volume’s systematic method and scope make it a unique resource for pastors, professors, and students.

I am intrigued by his thesis as Exodus 34 is one of the primary texts that I'm looking at now in a paper proposal for SBL regionals.

At 480 pages Hamilton deserves much credit on the face of things. It is extremely economical to wade through that much (66 books) in that short of a span. It should be a good read.