The Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry and Writings provides comprehensive coverage of the Hebrew Bible's most diverse and literarily sophisticated books, offering nearly 150 articles that illuminate Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Chronicles. Under the expert editorial guidance of Tremper Longman III and Peter Enns, two of the world's leading authorities on wisdom literature and Hebrew poetry, this dictionary brings together insights from over 90 international scholars to create an indispensable resource for understanding these unique biblical texts. Unlike the legal material of the Pentateuch or the historical narratives of the Former Prophets, these books offer rich expressions of human response to God through hymns, laments, love poetry, and reflective wisdom that require specialized interpretive approaches.

The dictionary's methodology reflects the latest developments in literary criticism, form criticism, and wisdom studies while maintaining evangelical commitment to these texts as authoritative Scripture. Each book receives comprehensive introduction covering background, interpretation history, and key theological themes, while specialized articles address literary techniques such as parallelism, chiasm, and acrostic structures that characterize Hebrew poetry. The volume provides particularly strong coverage of wisdom literature's distinctive theological perspective, poetic forms and functions, and various interpretive methods from historical-critical to feminist and canonical approaches. The editors have successfully balanced technical literary analysis with accessible explanation, making complex poetic and wisdom traditions understandable for ministry contexts.

The dictionary's exceptional value lies in its practical guidance for interpreting and applying some of Scripture's most challenging and rewarding texts. The wisdom and poetic books often present unique hermeneutical challenges, requiring sensitivity to literary genre, cultural context, and theological function that differs significantly from narrative or legal texts. Whether preparing sermons on the Psalms, teaching through Job's wrestling with suffering, or exploring the Song of Songs' celebration of human love, users will find this resource invaluable for faithful exposition that honors both literary artistry and theological truth. For pastors, teachers, and serious students committed to understanding the full range of biblical literature, this dictionary represents an essential investment that will enhance appreciation and application of Scripture's most beautiful and profound writings.