Assistant Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Scriptures

Joined the faculty in 2004.

B.A. University of Toronto, 1984
M.A. Jerusalem University College (formerly, American Institute of Holy Land Studies), 1987
M.Rel. Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, 1991
Ph.D. University of St. Michael’s College, 1999

Areas of teaching:
Major: Israelite Religion, Hebrew Interpretation, Historical Geography; Minor: Archaeology, Second Temple Judaism

Special Interest:
My interest is in preparing men and women to serve Christ, his Church, and through these, the World. I enjoy helping students achieve a better understanding of the culture and setting of the Bible, and helping them acquire the tools to exegete and apply it in a responsible and life-changing way.

Recent Publications:

“Removing Ruth: Tiqqune Sopherim in Ruth 3.3-4?” Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 32 (2008): 331-338.

“The Laying on of Hands in 1 Tim. 5:22: A New Proposal.” Bulletin of Biblical Research 18/1 (2008): 123-129.

“Ruth, History of Interpretation.” In Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry, and Writings. Eds. Tremper Longman III & Peter Enns. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, forthcoming.

“Amanuensis.” In Vol. 1 of The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Old Testament. Eds. Katharine Doob Sakenfeld et al. Nashville: Abingdon, 2006.

“Ekron.” In Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books. Eds. Bill T. Arnold & H. G. M. Williamson. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2005.

“Yahweh’s Suspension of Free Will in the Old Testament: Divine Immorality or Sign-Act?” Tyndale Bulletin 54/2 (2003): 55-62

Entries, “Cubit”, “Hamon-Gog”, “Libnah”, “Mount Gilboa”, “Topheth” and “Travellers, Valley of the” in The Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible. Ed. David Noel Freedman. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. 2000.

“Molek Imagery and the Slaughter of Gog in Ezekiel 38 and 39”. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 65 (1995): 93-112.

“Mahaneh-Dan”. Pp. 473-74 in Vol. 4 of The Anchor Bible Dictionary. Ed. David Noel Freedman et al. New York: Doubleday, 1992.

“Shebarim”. Pp. 1171-72 in Vol. 5 of The Anchor Bible Dictionary. Ed. David Noel Freedman et al. New York: Doubleday, 1992.

Church Involvement:
Dr. Irwin is frequently invited as a guest lecturer or preacher in a variety of denominational settings. He is an active member of Glenbrook Presbyterian Church, Mississauga.