Biblical interpretation expert Richard S. Briggs presents a rich and thought-provoking portrait, or series of portraits, of the kind of character most needed to be a good reader of the Old Testament. He highlights the moral character or virtues most appropriate to the varied tasks of reading the Old Testament, provides insight on theological interpretation, and examines five ways the Old Testament improves our ability to read Scripture well. Briggs also offers a defence of 'interpretive virtue' and includes case studies of the Old Testament's shaping of the virtues of humility, wisdom, trust, love, and receptivity.

Author Biography

Richard S. Briggs (PhD, University of Nottingham) is director of biblical studies and hermeneutics at Cranmer Hall, St. John's College, Durham University, in Durham, England. He is the author of Words in Action: Speech Act Theory and Biblical Interpretation and Reading the Bible Wisely.