From Jerusalem to Gaza: An Old Testament Theology

Donald Kayser and Wayne Ballard together present a work that they deliberately state should not be in competition to the likes of Gerhard von Rad's 'Old Testament Theology'. So their approach is uniquely presented from points of view that they deem necessary, yet a fresh perspective. The author's deliver some nuggets, and make this a enjoyable read of Old Testament history. One is drawn along by their presentation of the unfolding events. Therefore the book serves its purpose, for it is not exhaustive, yet addresses the doctrines of God, the development of the Israelite nation and the testing and trials that are common to all of God's elect. Chapter Headings are: God's Chosen, Israelites and Gentiles | God | Creation | Humanity | Thinking God's Thoughts | Tending God's World | Living In Community Before God | Sin | Living Life Under Threat And With Distress | Living Life With Hope 'To have upheld a people in their apostasy and wantonness would have been the most cruel of acts, tantamount to sealing their covenant with death. But to rend (Hosea 6:1-3) and tear until in their brokenness their mesmerization with their idols would be ended and their attention would be redirected to the true God was an act of profound mercy. In it, the opportunity was renewed of living before Him...' p 57 'We have noted that Brueggeman credited caring Jeremiah and Jeremiah's caring God with the deep feelings (pathos) that enabled Jeremiah to offer the Israelites the hope they so desperately needed. To what extent Ezekiel understood the meaning of a caring prophet or a caring God, his emphasis was elsewhere: the holiness of God. Ezekiel proclaimed that a holy God would both punish unfaithful Israel and bring her back to Palestine. Or as Brueggeman chooses to put it, it is God's 'Work of Hope'. p 238

Dr. Ballard was my professor for Old Testament at Carson-Newman where "From Jerusalem to Gaza: An Old Testament Theology" was required reading. I read the book long before our report was due and thoroughly enjoyed it. This book gave insight to many aspects of the Old Testament that most pastors, priests and religious leaders dare to not even approach. Dr. Ballard and Dr. Keyser have written this book to inform the entry level learner about their passion of the Old Testament. Not only was Dr. Ballard a fabulous teacher, but this book allowed one to experience the faith of a spectacular man. When it came time to sell books back to our bookstore, I kept this book. I plan to read it again.

This book is worth reading. Dr. Keyser and Dr. Ballard bring a wealth of insight and scholarship to this rich text. One of the book's major strenghts is the unbiased approach brought to this discussion of OT Theology. The scholarship is evident, and the authors navigate the reader through a large portion of the most important testimony ever written.

From Jerusalem to Gaza is an extremely special book. I don't say this because I am a student of the co-author (though it does help), but because it is such an apt guide on the theologies found in Old Testament literature. Both authors are very learned scholars in Old Testament studies and have a lot to offer from an intellectual standpoint, but there is a familiarity felt when reading the book as if the writer were sitting next to you explaining his views and convictions based on his knowledge. The titling of the book could not possibly be more fitting. Based on a paradigm passage of Peter and the Ethiopian Eunuch, the book lives up to its title, covering the boundaries and beliefs of those in Jerusalem (the Israelite center of worship), Gaza (one of the five Philistine city-states), and everywhere in between. Additionally, because the book is such an easy read, it would appeal to a Biblical Scholar or a simple lay person trying to get a grasp on the God of the Old Testament. In more ways than one, the title speaks of the overall goal and spirit of the book. Dr. Ballard and Dr. Keyser make it a point to contribute a chapter in From Jerusalem to Gaza to each of the main theological issues that are addressed in the Old Testament. Each chapter begins as the book does, with a "paradigm passage" that directly addresses the issue at hand and will be examined to draw information about that issue. The book begins with more broad topics such as the Israelite God YHWH and His relationship with the inhabitants of the Earth, and moves toward topics that would entice those who are in all ways striving for a closer relationship with Him, such as the way He expects us to live our lives. As the book progresses into the second half, it is filled with such beneficial advice and encouragement (for both the Christian and Jewish reader) that it could almost be read strictly as a devotional piece. The warmth in which the book was written transfers to the reader and he cannot help but to be convicted and challenged to seek more diligently to live according to the way God has commanded us to live. One thing about this book that jumps out at the reader is the tendency of the authors not to be timid in addressing things that would cause discomfort among many readers. Dr. Ballard and Dr. Keyser admit that some of the things found in the Hebrew Bible are a bit fuzzy and clearly wish to get to the bottom of the questions that arise when reading the text. For every subject that arises in the conversation on any topic, the authors are faithful to provide differing views of the Old Testament scholars who have addressed that particular topic. As a matter of fact, much of the book is made up of various quotes from the books of well-known scholars in the field of Old Testament study such as Robert L. Cate and Robin Cover. This lets the reader know that the authors have done their homework not only on the text, but other scholarly applications of the text. Though the authors usuall