Typology by Dr. James M. Hamilton Jr.
This review has been a long time coming. I’m a huge fan of Dr. James M. Hamilton Jr. Discovering his teaching on biblical theology truly changed my life and the Bible Talk podcast he’s on is something I’m trying to get everyone to listen to because it will blow your mind. Dr. Hamilton pastors Kenwood Baptist Church in Louisville, KY and he’s the Professor of Biblical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
His new book, Typology: Understanding the Bible’s Promise-Shaped Patterns took me awhile to work through. Part of it is that it’s academic in nature and the other is that I have three small children and my reading time is limited. Even so, it is a book that is worth your time. It is a book I will reference over and over again.
Dr. Hamilton says, “I will be arguing in this book that God’s promises shaped the way the biblical authors perceived, understood, and wrote. As this happens again and again across the Scriptures, from account to account, book to book, author to author, patterns begin to be discerned, patterns that have been shaped by promises: promise-shaped patterns.” As Hamilton explores these promise-shaped patterns throughout the book, the reader will gain a more cohesive view of the Scriptures. The patterns join together what the average Christian often views as disjointed.
Major themes throughout Scripture are traced by Hamilton in this book. Themes such as Adam, prophets, priests, kings, marriage, etc. will help the reader see the unity of Scripture, the supremacy of Christ, and the grand, awe-inspiring narrative of God.
Particularly new to me was Hamilton’s discussion on the structure of Scripture and how it’s used intentionally by biblical authors. I had never considered the intentionality of a biblical author structuring the book they were writing. Specifically, Hamilton’s discussion of chiasms is both informative and challenging. The reader will find this discussion in the last chapter of the book, which Hamilton will encourage the reader to read as the second chapter.
All in all, there is a lot to take in in Typology. It was definitely a book I had to read slowly, but it’s also a book I’m grateful to have read. It is certainly one I will return to for reference in my preaching and teaching! Typology is a useful tool to help us better understand the Bible as well as to help others see it come alive. Dr. Hamilton has provided a great resource to help us all grow deeper in our walk with Christ.
Pick up your copy of Typology on Amazon. (affiliate)
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Zondervan in exchange for a fair and honest review.
