Tom Finley

Dr. Finley's area of expertise is Northwest Semitic languages, specifically Hebrew and Aramaic. He authored the Wycliffe Exegetical Commentary (Joel, Amos, Obadiah) (reprinted by Galaxie Software), the Everyman's Bible (Commentary on Joel, Obadiah, Micah) (Moody), and co-authored How Biblical Languages Work: A Student's Guide to Learning Hebrew and Greek (Kregel). He also contributed notes on the prophets mentioned above to The Life Recovery Bible. He authored chapters in three books, and his articles have appeared in Grace Theological Journal, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, Journal of Psychology and Theology, Vetus Testamentum, Zeitschrift für Althebraistik, and Decision Magazine. He has addressed both regional and national meetings of the Evangelical Theological Society, and he has served as a translation consultant for portions of the Old Testament for the NIV Children's Version.

Affiliation Faculty, Alumnus
Position Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Semitics
Degree M.Div., Talbot Theological Seminary
Degree B.A., Biola College

Author's books

targum-prophets-ezekiel
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Bilingual Concordance to the Targum of the Prophets, Volume 15 Ezekiel (I) (English and Hebrew Edition)

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For the first time meaningful quotations from the Targum and the Masoretic Hebrew text of the Bible are set out in parallel so that the user of the concordance can study the translation technique of the Targum in much greater detail than was hitherto possible. For comparative purposes the concordance is published per book of the Prophets. Eventually a complete concordance will become available in electronic form. The concordance makes a wealth of largely unknown material accessible to researchers. The discovery of the presumed-lost Song of the Lamb, referred to in Rev. 15:3, by members of the editorial team vividly illustrates the importance of such a concordance to both Judaic and New Testament studies. The concordance will also be an indispensable tool for the textual criticism and the history of interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. To facilitate consultation on the basis of the Hebrew, every concordance per book contains a Hebrew-Aramaic index.

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how-biblical-languages-work
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How Biblical Languages Work: A Student’s Guide to Learning Hebrew and Greek

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A practical and easy to understand guide to learning both Hebrew and Greek. Ideal for Biblical language scholars. This book provides the first practical beginner’s guide to the main components of biblical Hebrew and Greek. It will bring the reader through various organizational structures in Hebrew and Greek using insights gained from years of linguistic and biblical experience. The authors intend this book to be used as a tool to supplement traditional courses in Hebrew and Greek, and to show that these languages are organized in much the same way as other languages. The last chapter includes tips to help each reader learn in his own way. Written by two extremely well-qualified linguists. Uses helpful learning methods by moving from known (English) to unknown (biblical languages). Ideal companion to first-year grammars. Provides a key for getting the most out of both Hebrew and Greek

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interpreting-daniel
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Interpreting Daniel for Preaching and Teaching: A Model for Moving from Exegesis to Exposition to Teaching

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Daniel is a book intended to be read thoroughly from beginning to end. The final verse (12:13) promises a restoration of what was lost in the first two verses (1:1–2). Between these bookends, with artistic flare, historical accuracy, and apocalyptic hope, Daniel encourages readers that God was, is, and always will be in control. The book’s portrayal of God, its rich theology, and its contribution to the spiritual formation of God’s people influenced Jesus, the New Testament writers, and the early church, and it deserves a place of prominence in the church today. With substantive exegesis, clear exposition, and relevant teaching outlines, Interpreting Daniel for Preaching and Teaching helps preachers and teachers to unpack Daniel’s significance for the church today.

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an-exegetical-commentary-joel
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Joel, Amos, Obadiah: An Exegetical Commentary

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An excellent exegetical commentary.  The prophet Joel speaks of a day of unparalleled blessing and judgment. Two events occupy center stage in the book of Joel: a great plague of locusts and the Day of the Lord. Joel calls the people of Judah to repent in light of the disastrous devastation brought by locusts. The Lord’s promise to restore and bless anew His people when they repent serves as the backdrop for a sweeping message about the future Day of the Lord. The prophet Amos speaks to people who were religious but who were not righteous. He focuses on the unjust practices of the rich and powerful against the poor and helpless in Israelite society. He strives especially to show how day-to-day living cannot be separated from true worship of the Lord. Words of judgment and condemnation dominate the prophet’s message, but Amos concludes with a vision of Israel rejoined with the people of Judah in justice and unprecedented prosperity. Obadiah tells a story of double betrayal. The nation of Edom, which should have been an ally, betrayed Judah when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in 586 B.C. As punishment the Lord promises that Edom will likewise fall prey to a trap by its allies. Obadiah then takes this theme of “judgment through betrayal because of betrayal” and expands it to encompass all nations when the Day of the Lord comes and “the kingdom will be the Lord’s.”

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Version 1.0.0
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Joel, Obadiah and Micah – Bible Commentary (Everymans Bible Commentaries)

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‘If the success of a man is measured by the impact he has on later generations, then all of the prophets were highly successful . . . They still speak as God’s mouthpieces to all people everywhere.’ Joel, Obadiah, and Micah preached to plugged ears and hearts of stone. Their message, however, was clear: God’s judgment is real. Studied extensively throughout the New Testament period until the present day, these books remain relevant to readers. Thomas J. Finley examines the short but important texts of these prophets in this thorough, verse-by-verse exploration. This volume contains each book’s historical setting, literary characteristics, a profile of the prophet, and the message for today.

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women-men-ministry
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Women and Men in Ministry: A Complementary Perspective

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Are we working together as well as we could be? The role of women in the church is an ongoing debate within the church. On one side are those who say there is no difference between men and women. On the other side are those who severely limit women who want to offer ministry to the church. Judith TenElshof and Robert Saucy take the middle approach. Believing that the modern views have denied the distinctions between men and women, TenElshof and Saucy take the complementarian approach. They argue that while men and women are equal, God has given different roles to each, and that these roles rely on each other to be fully effective.

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