Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: A world well lost : the eclipse of Old Testament consciousness -- Biblical models for figural reading -- Figural reading and scripture's literal sense -- Figural reading, metaphor, and theological exegesis -- Figural reading and modernity -- Epilogue.

Don Collett, an experienced Old Testament scholar, offers an account of Old Testament interpretation that capitalizes on recent research in figural exegesis. Collett examines the tension between figural and literal modes of exegesis as they developed in Christian thought, introduces ongoing debates and discussions concerning figural readings of Scripture, and offers theological readings of several significant Old Testament passages. This book will work well as a primer on figural exegesis for seminarians or as a capstone seminary text that ties together themes from courses in Bible, exegesis, and theology.