Wonders from Your Law: Nexus Passages and the Promise of an Exegetical Intertextual Old Testament Theology

The Old Testament contains 39 different biblical books written over a period of centuries, including such wide-ranging material as historical narratives, prophetic writings, songs, and proverbs. Though Bible readers might wonder if there is a shared message among these many writings, contemporary scholars have generally concluded that there isn’t. But Chen (Old Testament studies, Gateway Seminary; The Messianic Vision of the Pentateuch) argues that there is such a message, which can be found by examining 10 “nexus passages” from the Old Testament that connect in significant ways to other scriptures found in the Bible. Chen describes his approach as something like deciphering intersecting lines on a subway map; it appears confusing at first, but when one notices how the different subway lines interconnect, it becomes clear how to use the map and key to reach a destination. Chen argues that by approaching these nexus passages the same way, readers will find a theological message focused, in large part, on the Messiah. The book devotes a chapter to each of the 10 nexus passages.