Jesus spent much time explaining to his disciples `what was
said in all the scriptures concerning himself' (Luke 24:27), and yet many
Christians find it difficult to relate the Old Testament to their own life
situations, or neglect its original meaning in search of a direct personal
or doctrinal application. Furthermore, debate continues about how to preach
the Old Testament as Christian Scripture.
David Peterson provides a model for how to do this, rooted in biblical
theology, and uses it to expound and apply an important group of chapters
from the prophecy of Isaiah. In their original context, and through their
us e by New Testament writers, these chapters provide a framework for
understanding God's purposes for the world, and the central role of the
Messiah in their accomplishment.