The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made

By Mark Dever

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Availability: Forthcoming

Expected: Jun 24, 2025

Retail Price: $65.00

The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made

By Mark Dever

... Show All

A Big Picture Overview of Each Old Testament Book 

The Old Testament is the story of God’s promises to his people. Below its somewhat obscure surface is hidden magnificent truth about the love and power of God. Throughout its pages the reader can find promise after promise from God, all of which are fulfilled in the New Testament—in the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

Based on sermons in the early years of Mark Dever’s ministry at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, The Message of the Old Testament explores the Old Testament as a glorious whole so that readers are able to see the big picture of the majesty of God and the wonder of his promises.

  • Big-Picture Analysis: Covers each book of the Old Testament concisely and accurately 
  • Appeals to Pastors and Laypeople Alike: A helpful resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible or preaching an overview sermon to a congregation 
  • Written by Mark Dever: Based on 28 sermons taught at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC
  • Replaces ISBN 978-1-58134-717-3

Author:

Mark Dever

Mark Dever (PhD, Cambridge University) is the senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC, and president of 9Marks (9Marks.org). Dever has authored over a dozen books and speaks at conferences nationwide. He lives in Washington, DC, with his wife, Connie, and they have two adult children.

Product Details

Format: Hardcover w/ Jacket
Page Count: 1072
Size: 6.0 in x 9.0 in
Weight: 31.0 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-9925-2
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-9925-5
ISBN-UPC: 9781433599255
Case Quantity: 10
Published: June 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Foreword by Graeme Goldsworthy
Acknowledgments 
Introduction: Fly First, Walk Later 
The Whole Bible: What Does God Want of Us? 
The Old Testament: Promises Made

Part 1: The Great Story
Chapter 1: The Message of Genesis: “. . . Which in Their Seeds and Weak Beginning Lie Intreasured
Chapter 2: The Message of Exodus: “All the World’s a Stage” 
Chapter 3: The Message of Leviticus: “The World Is Not Thy Friend Nor the World’s Law”
Chapter 4: The Message of Numbers: “Past and to Come Seem Best, Things Present, Worst”
Chapter 5: The Message of Deuteronomy: “What’s Past Is Prologue”

Part 2: The Other Millennium
Chapter 6: The Message of Joshua: Conquest
Chapter 7: The Message of Judges: Stalemate
Chapter 8: The Message of Ruth: Surprise
Chapter 9: The Message of 1 Samuel: Faith in Faithless Times
Chapter 10: The Message of 2 Samuel: Repentance
Chapter 11: The Message of 1 Kings: Decline
Chapter 12: The Message of 2 Kings: Fall
Chapter 13: The Message of 1 Chronicles: Heights
Chapter 14: The Message of 2 Chronicles: Depths
Chapter 15: The Message of Ezra: Renewal
Chapter 16: The Message of Nehemiah: Rebuilding
Chapter 17: The Message of Esther: Surprise

Part 3: Ancient Wisdom
Chapter 18: The Message of Job: Wisdom for Losers
Chapter 19: The Message of Psalms: Wisdom for Spiritual People
Chapter 20: The Message of Proverbs: Wisdom for the Ambitious
Chapter 21: The Message of Ecclesiastes: Wisdom for the Successful 
Chapter 22: The Message of Song of Songs: Wisdom for the Married

Part 4: Big Hopes
Chapter 23: The Message of Isaiah: Messiah
Chapter 24: The Message of Jeremiah: Justice
Chapter 25: The Message of Lamentations: Justice Up Close
Chapter 26: The Message of Ezekiel: Paradise
Chapter 27: The Message of Daniel: Survival

Part 5: Eternal Questions
Chapter 28: The Message of Hosea: What Is Love?
Chapter 29: The Message of Joel: Whom Will God Save?
Chapter 30: The Message of Amos: Does God Care?
Chapter 31: The Message of Obadiah: Does God Have Enemies?
Chapter 32: The Message of Jonah: Can You Run from God?
Chapter 33: The Message of Micah: What Does God Want?
Chapter 34: The Message of Nahum: Who’s In Charge?
Chapter 35: The Message of Habakkuk: How Can I Be Happy?
Chapter 36: The Message of Zephaniah: What’s There to Be Thankful For?
Chapter 37: The Message of Haggai: Are Your Investments Sound?
Chapter 38: The Message of Zechariah: Does God Give Second Chances?
Chapter 39: The Message of Malachi: Does It Matter How I Worship God?

Person Index
Scripture Index

Endorsements

"For many Christians the Old Testament is daunting and confusing. The books are long and speak about a culture dramatically different from ours. Mark Dever's sermons do not substitute for reading the Old Testament, but they do provide a wonderful help in understanding it. Dever unpacks the major themes of each book with remarkable clarity, and the book also shines in conveying the message of the Old Testament for today. Here is a survey to the Old Testament that is accessible and spiritually edifying."
Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"To hear the Bible tell its own story in its own way-this is the obvious but all-too-rare strategy for reading the Book of books. I thank Dr. Mark Dever for showing us how. We are immeasurably enriched."
Ray Ortlund, Pastor to Pastors, Immanuel Church, Nashville, Tennessee

"This is a bold project, some might say foolhardy, but Mark Dever has brilliantly succeeded. This is no mere textbook; it is powerful preaching. We are not only introduced to the sweep and message of each book of the Bible but, above all, confronted by our great God and called to obey his living word."
Vaughan Roberts, Rector, St Ebbe’s, Oxford, United Kingdom

"In these distinctive overview sermons, Mark Dever manages to bring together around the core issues of each biblical book three concerns that ought to occupy every faithful preacher of God's Word: theological content, exegetical wisdom, and pastoral application. Here is a walk through the Bible that is well worth taking!"
Timothy George, Distinguished Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

"Mark Dever has done the Christian community a great service in publishing these sermons. The material is academically informed but presented in a very accessible way with relevant application. With its Christological focus and careful Christian application of the Old Testament, this book enables readers to get into the theological heart of the message of each biblical book."
David Peterson, Emeritus Faculty, Moore Theological College; author, Engaging with God and Encountering God Together

"Mark Dever has written a needed book and written it well. With a pastor's heart, a scholar's mind, and the intimacy of a friend, Dever introduces the reader clearly and creatively to a book that has changed the world but to which contemporary culture remains largely unexposed. This book is warm, engaging, straightforward, and profound. It will be a valuable resource for individuals, study groups, churches, unbelievers and believers alike. Dever takes the reader on an unforgettable journey into the most remarkable and moving book ever written."
John Shouse, Senior Professor of Christian Theology, Gateway Seminary

"This is a good book, written by a pastor/scholar for people in the pew. Clear, concise, thoroughly readable. Buy two and give one to a friend."
Alistair Begg, Senior Pastor, Parkside Church, Chagrin Falls, Ohio

"I have long desired a book that would unlock the richness of the Old Testament-assisting both the pastor in the pulpit and Christians in their devotions. This is that book."
C. J. Mahaney, Senior Pastor, Sovereign Grace Church, Louisville, Kentucky