This book has shaped my approach to exegesis.I came to the discipline of exegesis with a naive question, What should be done to the Word to make my heart burning? In the chapter on contextual analysis, Kaiser argues, The exegete must feel that his primary obligation is to find the thread of thought which runs like a life stream through the smaller and larger parts of every passage. To put it another way, each biblical author has had a purpose in mind when he wrote, and as long as we are connected to it, we are able to receive the power of the message. While this sounds simplistic, I would note that rarely a biblical commentator is true to this principle.The whole book is developed around this, and the chapters that follow show how grammar, syntax, history, and biblical theology all contribute to better understanding of the authors purpose. The chapter on homiletical analysis discusses the principles of continuing the authors purpose in our day. There are also special chapters discussing exegetical principles for prophecy, narrative, and poetry. In the concluding chapter, Kaiser indirectly tells us why we are only moving toward an exegesis: most of those who wish to observe all the discussed methods are likely to throw hands up in despair and exclaim in exasperation, Who is sufficient for these things?I felt the same when I first read the book, so I put it aside. Now, as I continue struggling with exegesis, I see that there is no other way than returning to the high requirements.