It's almost second nature for Christians to call God Father. Jesus taught his followers as much, although for them it was apparently a surprising practice. The worshiping community of the Old Testament used fatherly images for understanding God's character and actions, but "Father" was not a common way for believers to address God. In Knowing God the Father Through the Old Testament, Christopher Wright explores in depth the images that pervade the biblical narratives, psalms and prophetic texts of the Old Testament. God is acknowledged as tender yet terrifying, challenging to the nations and yet intimately personal, offering loving care, provision, discipline and forgiveness. This is the God whom Jesus knew, and whom we can know, as Father. Such knowledge of God is far from merely devotional or doctrinal, but governs our worldview, personal and social ethics, and expectations of the future.
"An experience of biblical theology from which any believer can benefit."
Dianne Bergant, The Bible Today, May 2009
"Wright capably demonstrates proper theological methodology while performing limied exegetical evaluation of the biblical text, demonstrating a biblical theological approach that can be grasped by the common reader."
R. Alan Fuhr, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, March 2009
"The reviewer commends it as a volume that will reward careful readers willing to reflect on its author's numerous perceptive insights."
Robert B. Chisholm, Bibliotheca Sacra, October-December 2010
