Flood and Fury came to me at just the right time. I did a chronological bible reading plan for the first time this year, which meant a lot of time buried in the Old Testament. This raised some troubling questions, which Matthew Lynch's book went a long way towards answering. The picture of original harmony and God's plan for peace was stunning, and provides a great lens through which to examine difficult questions. In Flood and Fury, Lynch encourages the reader that if they find themselves wrestling with God, they should not let go until he has blessed them. Lynch takes time to look slowly and carefully at the narratives of the flood and Joshua's conquest of Canaan. This helped me notice lots of details I had missed, and showed me how God has always included outsiders and how his mercy far outstrips his justice. Flood and Fury is helpful and compassionate to anyone who is struggling with questions about God's goodness.

I listened to the audiobook, which was well read. Thanks to IVP and NetGalley for providing a copy of the audiobook.

Approachable, thought-provoking and nuanced exploration of the (irresolvable) problems of Old Testament violence and associated problematic themes.

“…when it comes to addressing the ethical challenge of violence in the Old Testament, some people pull a hard right. They try to justify every violent text. 'God says it. That settles it.' Others pull a hard left. 'Violent texts in the Old Testament are just the wishful projections of a violent and barbaric people. We must resist its teachings at all costs or re-interpret them until they look nice and clean!'…these aren't our only options.".

As an Old Testament scholar, Matthew Lynch deeply explores several interpretive options (with theological, historical and scriptural evidence), concerning violence in Old Testament Scripture, through careful and thoughtful perspectives. He encourages a slow re-reading with deeper examinations of Scripture, while honoring the character of God and His dealings with people.

With thanks to IVP Academic for the audio review copy, via NetGalley. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

Overall, Lynch is a gifted communicator, and this would be a beneficial read for any Christians interested in exploring the complexities of Scripture.

Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God

I enjoyed this book!

I don't often get books on the Old Testament, and so I was really pleased to get this book.

Lynch has a great way of writing, to better understand violence.

He encourages readers to read the text carefully and in context, considering the larger biblical content, and emphasizes the importance of reading these passages with the knowledge of God's shalom (peace) and covenant-keeping love.

The book provides an advanced view with the challenging aspects of Old Testament violence while maintaining faith.

A real interesting book!

Definitely check it out

3.9/5

This was so great! I am glad it was in audio book form because it was easier to read than listen. I listened at 1.5x speed.