As I’m often asked for book recommendations on various subjects, I decided to put together an online list of my top ten books in various categories. Basically, if I was only allowed 10 books in my library on that subject, these are the ten I would choose. You can access all my other Top Ten Lists here.

Today I’m listing my updated top ten books on Christ in the Old Testament—the ones marked with an asterisk are more suitable for pastors and seminary students. If you know any other books that should be on this list, please leave a comment and I’ll add it to the “Reader Suggestions” section.

*For your non-Kindle book buying needs please consider using Reformation Heritage Books in the USA and Reformed Book Services in Canada. Good value prices and shipping*

Also, here’s my catalog of Best Online Articles on Christ in the Old Testament (which will be updated further by tomorrow).

1. Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament by Christopher Wright.

One of the most eye-opening and thought provoking books I’ve ever read. Guaranteed to make you love Jesus more.

2. Preaching Christ from the Old Testament by Sidney Greidanus.*

Classic seminary textbook. Historical survey of the subject followed by most helpful step-by-step guide to preaching Christ from Old Testament texts.

3. Beginning at Moses by Michael Barrett.

Shorter and more readable than Greidanus but covers a wider range of OT genres.

4. Preaching Christ in All of Scripture by Ed Clowney.

The first two chapters will transform the way you read and teach the Bible. Clowney sets forth the principles and practice of finding Christ in Scripture and then putting together a Christ-centered sermon. This is followed by a number of wonderful sermons that demonstrate the “how.”

5. The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses by Vern Poythress.*

Especially helpful on typology, not just laying the foundational principles but also explaining numerous examples. Also wonderful insights on the Christ-centered nature of Old Testament law.

6. The Christ of the Covenants by O P Robertson.*

It was the second or third time reading this book before the covenants all fell into place for me. Transformed the Bible and my ministry.

7. Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture by Graeme Goldsworthy.

First part provides the lenses with which to read the Old Testament, followed by many examples of how to preach Christian sermons from different genres of biblical literature. More thematic than exegetical.

8. The Unfolding Mystery by Ed Clowney.

More sample sermons demonstrating how #4 Preaching Christ in All of Scripture is put into practice.

9.  Him We Proclaim: Preaching Christ from All the Scriptures by Dennis E. Johnson.

Good on theory and good on practice.

10. Jesus On Every Page by David Murray.

Couldn’t bring myself to make this # 1.

Honorable mentions

If I’d had a Top Twenty the following books would also have been included.

Close Encounters with the Son of God by Jonathan Stephen. If this was still easily available it would have been near the top of the Top Ten List. It deals with the Old Testament Christophanies.

Christ in the Old Testament by Robert Gordon. Again, this four-volume set of sermons would have easily made the Top Ten if it was easier to get.

According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy. A simplified version of Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture.

Seeing Christ in All of Scripture by Peter A. Lillback and others

Christ-centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon by Bryan Chappell. Not specifically about preaching Christ from the Old Testament but much of the material will help with that.

A History of the Work of Redemption by Jonathan Edwards. Covers more than the Old Testament but the Old Testament section, especially the early part, is pure gold.

The Ancient Love Song by Charles Drew. One of the most accessible and readable of books on Christ in the Old Testament.

Messiah in the Old Testament by Walter Kaiser.

Preaching Christ from Genesis by Sidney Greidanus.

Preaching Christ from Daniel by Sydney Greidanus.

Preaching Christ from Ecclesiastes by Sidney Greidanus.

Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament Hardcover by Greg Beale and Don Carson.

The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis by Nancy Guthrie. Excellent Bible study series with a good mix of teaching, questions, and discussion starters. See also follow-up Bible studies on various other parts of the Old Testament. See also follow-up Bible studies on various other parts of the Old Testament: The Lamb of GodThe Wisdom of GodThe Son of David, and The Word of the Lord.

Reader Suggestions

101 Portraits of Jesus on the Old Testament by Bob Beasley.

The Scriptures Testify about Me: Jesus and the Gospel in the Old Testament by Don Carson, Tim Keller, and others.

Look To The Rock by Alec Motyer.

The Messianic Hope by Michael Rydelnik.

Messianic Revelation in the Old Testament by Gerard Van Gronigen.

On The Trinity by Hilary of Poitiers.

Clavis Cantici by James Durham.

The Prophets Speak of Him by Anthony Salvaggio.

The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made by Mark Dever.

  • Ray Fowler

    Great list! I would add Messianic Revelation in the Old Testament by Gerard Van Groningen.

    • David Murray

      Thanks Ray. I added it.

      • George G

        David – I enjoy your book. Thanks a lot.
        I would add now (especially for the laity) – The Gospel Transformation Bible, and the good treatment of Jean Danielou in From Shadows to Reality. Many blessings!

      • Chita

        Hi David,

        How about “He Began With Moses” edited by Kent, Kissling and Turner?

  • Martin Downes

    Oh, am I allowed to list Hilary of Poitier’s work “On the Trinity”?

    • David Murray

      Added, but deep pockets required!

      • Martin Downes

        Very deep. Are Amazon selling copies written on vellum? Thankfully there are free PDF versions!

    • shawn anderson

      are you referring to this?

      http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3302.htm

  • Dan Phillips

    Michael Rydelnik, The Messianic Hope (http://bit.ly/193nbez).

    • David Murray

      Yes, that’s a great book on the subject too.

  • Nathaniel Stamper

    David, thank you for this list!

  • shawn anderson

    Thanks for the list, David! I would have to say that on top of my list would be:
    #1 Clowney & Keller – Preaching Christ in a Postmodern World audio & handouts at: http://faithbyhearing.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/keller-clowney-preaching-christ-in-a-post-modern-world/

    I found your class (before the book came out) to be extremely helpful, and I have enjoyed your Angel of the LORD series. It has opened the eyes of many congregations where I have introduced it. I think that there is a need for more media like it for a younger audience not as disciplined in reading.

    Other Noteworthy helps:
    Beasley, Bob – 101 Portraits of Jesus in the Hebrew Scriptures http://www.amazon.com/dp/0979973147

    Motyer, Alec – Look to the Rock http://www.amazon.com/dp/0851111688/

    • David Murray

      Good suggestions. I added the books.

  • Dustin Messer

    The Throne of David, A.G. Herbert

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  • Eric Robinson

    My list would have to include Study of the Types by Ada Habershon, but I’m certainly not as well-read as the others commenting here. ;-)

  • Olivia

    Dear Mr. Murray,
    This isn’t related to your article but I have been eager to contact you since starting to read your book, “Christians Get Depressed Too”. It is encouraging to read your book as it is helping me clarify my thought processes about my own depression. I have been experiencing an eating disorder which further impacts the brain on top of depression. It has been extremely hard for me to articulate my eating disorder to others. Often, I feel invalidated by those who treat the physical affects of this disorder as miniscual. It seems to me that they think I should just will myself out of it and make myself eat. Like depression, it is more complicated than that. I feel that I have experienced the over-spiritualizing of this issue from fellow Christians.

    I am frustrated bc I feel like I am stuck between two worlds (i.e., secular psychology and reductionistic biblical counseling). Additionally, it is sad to see such little discussion on eating disorders amongst the church, especially given that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses.

    Overall I am writing you to ask if you know of any resources on eating disorders that you find helpful. I have read Elyse Fitzpatrick’s “Love to Eat Hate to Eat” and found it to be pretty nouthetic in its approach. It helped me at some level however. Also, are there any eating disorder treatment facilities that you would recommend? I am looking into going to one, Lord willing.

    I look forward to your response.

    • David Murray

      Olivia, I am very sorry to read about your suffering. I totally get where you are coming from and share your frustration at the “stuck between two worlds” feeling. Why don’t you email me and then I can send you some resources. Use info@headhearthand.org