This book is dedicated to Michael P. V. Barrett (Hebrews 13:7), who for almost thirty years taught Old Testament at Bob Jones University and Seminary:
Here’s how Mark Gignilliat concludes his acknowledgments:
I am grateful for my undergraduate and seminary teachers—now more than ever. I have been blessed with many good and caring professors who have taken a special interest in my academic and spiritual growth. I am dedicating this book to one teacher in particular, Dr. Michael P V Barrett. It was in Dr. Barrett’s Old Testament courses where as an undergrad a fire was lit in me for rigorous and thoughtful exegesis of Scripture. I have vivid memories of lecture halls filled with students, mouth agape at the clarity and profundity of Dr Barrett’s lectures. We were all scared of him. “Where did that come from, Dr Barrett?” one of my friends shouted out in a moment of self-forgetfulness. “Well, Mr Gage, I got it from the Bible. Do you ever read your Bible?” Though we were scared of him, we loved him and still do. I have not been very good at keeping in contact with Dr Barrett. Intended letters are still left unwritten. I imagine he is not especially happy about all of the ecclesial and theological decisions I have made; I’m not sure I’m happy with all of them either. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the light and heat of Dr. Barrett’s lectures and life. The academicians and theologians who walk the halls of an ETS, SBL, or AAR conference may never know Dr Barrett’s name. I am quite sure he does not care. But he had a shaping influence on me, and I am deeply thankful I dedicate this book to him in grateful appreciation. (p. 10)
Like many, I would attribute my love for the Bible to the years I sat in Dr. Barret’s classes eager for his lecture with pen in hand. I often find myself carrying a stick while I teach theology…
His Old Testament Poetry class was my favorite undergrad class. I wrote his especially witty, laughter-erupting comments at the top of whatever page of notes I was on. I need to look over them again.
I know this comes a bit late, but I received a desk copy from Zondervan and the content is excellent. Although he disagrees with the use of much historical criticism, he allows the various authors’ ideas to stand on their own. I’m requiring it for my OTI class this fall.