Walter Kaiser is a gifted Old Testament scholar who has the keen ability to be able to communicate well among lay people and scholars alike. In this new offering Dr. Kaiser does not disappoint. This book is especially geared toward pastors, but is also extremely helpful for all those who teach and desire to understand the Old Testament and it’s connections to the New Testament and the ultimate promise plan of God.
Dr. Kaiser lands somewhere between a “covenant” and “dispensational” theologian – in my opinion he is very balanced and makes an excellent case for each passage he exegetes. He definitely leans dispensational – taking passages and promises to Israel literally unless there is a textual indicator deeming otherwise.
The book is composed of six parts – covering different aspects of the end times. Each of these parts contains two or three passages of Scripture, and is broken down in this way:
1) A discussion of the topic.
2) Specific exegetical and sermonic helps for the specific passage being taught including: the text; title; focal point; homiletical key word; interrogative question; and teaching aim.
3) A teaching outline for the passage.
4) An exegetical discussion of the passage.
5) Practical conclusions based on a thorough exegesis of the passage.
Here are the topics that Kaiser addresses in the book with thorough exegetical and insightful precision:
Part 1: The Individual and General Eschatology of the Old Testament
- Life and Death in the Old Testament (Psalm 49:1-20)
- The resurrection of Mortals in the Old Testament (Job 19:21-27)
Part 2: The Nation of Israel in Old Testament Eschatology
- The Everlasting Promises made to Israel (Jeremiah 32:27-44)
- The Future Resurrection and Reunification of the Nation (Ezekiel 37:1-28)
- The Future Return of Israel to the Land of Promise (Zechariah 10:2-12)
Part 3: The New Davidic King and the City of the great King in the Old Testament
- The Branch of the Lord and the New Zion (Isaiah 2:2-5; 4:2-6)
- The Extent of Messiah’s Rule and Reign (Psalm 72:1-17)
Part 4: The Day of the Lord and the Beginning of the Nations’ Struggle with Israel
- The Arrival of the Day of the Lord (Joel 2:28-3:21)
- God and Magog (Ezekiel 38-39)
Part 5: The Events of the Last Seven Years and the Arrival of the Western Confederacy
10. The Seventy Weeks of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27)
11. The New Coming Third Temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40:1-41:26; 43:1-11)
12. The Coming Antichrist (Daniel 11:36-45)
13. The Battle of Armageddon (Zechariah 14:1-21)
Part 6: The Coming Millennial Rule of Christ and the Arrival of the Eternal State
14. The Millennial Rule and Reign of God (Isaiah 24:1-23)
15. The New Creation (Isaiah 65:17-25; 66:18-24)
I think this book is a welcome addition to any Bible student’s collection – especially due to the neglect of roughly 20-25% of the Bible being of a prophetic nature. Those of us who teach and preach God’s Word are required to teach the “whole counsel of God.” My only complaint is that I would have liked to have seen him draw more parallels in the passages to Christ and how the gospel applies to believers in the here and now – and not solely in the past or future (read Tim Keller or Paul Tripp for excellence in this matter). Overall, I think it’s an excellent resource with wise insights into God’s Word and how His promise plan will ultimately be fulfilled.
*Walter C. Kaiser Jr. (PhD, Brandeis University) is the distinguished professor emeritus of Old Testament and president emeritus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Dr. Kaiser has written over 40 books, including Toward an Exegetical Theology: Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching; A History of Israel; The Messiah in the Old Testament; Recovering the Unity of the Bible; The Promise-Plan of God; Preaching and Teaching The Last Things; and coauthored (with Moises Silva) An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics. Dr. Kaiser and his wife, Marge, currently reside at Kerith Farm in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. Dr. Kaiser’s website: www.walterckaiserjr.com
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