Providing a model of how to do biblical theology, this book also explores important emerging trends over the last five years, including: reception-history as a means to grasping the theology of the Bible; theological interpretation as a new form of lectio divina (meditative reading); the place of Jewish interpretation in forming a biblical theology; and the ever-present problem of losing Old Testament theology in New Testament theology.

The second half of the book discusses the theme of Providence, as found in both Testaments, with insights gained from the history of biblical interpretation and from major attempts at working out a theology of Providence. Elliott focuses on Providence as it has been perceived, rather than the themes of God's goodness and powerfulness in themselves.