Old Testament Survey II

"This textbook provides an Old Testament survey for undergraduate students that goes beyond basic content. The book attempts to balance the literary, historical, and theological issues pertaining to each individual book and to the Old Testament as a whole. The main portion of the survey treats each book of the Old Testament in the order of the English canon. This information does not simply rehash the biblical material, but assumes that the Scriptures are being read alongside the survey. The book focuses its primary attention on the purpose and message of each book and attempts to show how the literary structure of each one has been used to accomplish the author's purpose. The survey also introduces readers to the issues of hermeneutics (general and special), history (Israelite and Near Eastern), archaeology, canon, geography, Old Testament theology (biblical and systematic), and critical methodologies. All these issues are dealt with in separate chapters at a basic introductory level that never allows the reader to lose sight, as it were, of the forest while wandering through the trees. In addressing critical issues of date and authorship, the survey avoids a polemical stance. Hill and Watson seek to depend on the evidence of the text rather than on presuppositions to substantiate their views. Their commitment to the authority of the biblical text results in a book that, while notably evangelical, is not always traditional. The authors approach the survey mindful of two complicating factors in Old Testament study. First, God's revelation did not come by way of the English language or through Western culture, and therefore we today have to work carefully to receive the message clearly. Second, even when we are listening, we have a tendency to be selective about what we hear or to try to make the message conform to our ideas. The solution is to allow the Bible to speak for itself. The informed reader will find much innovation here and a keen awareness of current scholarship relating to the Old Testament. Above all, this textbook will bring a new vigor and excitement to the Old Testament as readers learn to discover its story for themselves and see how to understand it as a substantial part of God's self-revelation to humankind. This survey is well illustrated with maps, charts, and photographs. Additional features are the questions for study and the annotated reading list at the end of each chapter."

The ideal tool to accompany Walton's Survey of the Old Testament. No more hunting through textbooks, laboring over self-made study cards, or fumbling with sticky notes. A Survey of the Old Testament Laminated Sheet enables students to see critical information for the study of the Old Testament at a glance and serves them well as they review for tests and comprehensive exams.

"An informed, illuminating and interactive introduction to the ancient background, the literary artistry, and the varied and timeless messages of the Psalms and Wisdom literature."

"This book is intended to give students and others a primary resource that allows for independent study of the biblical prophets. It is written in the belief that the prophets have important things to say to modern people. They are sometimes misunderstood, and, in church life, often neglected. That is nothing new for the prophets, as it was neglect that they themselves typically challenged in their hearers."

"Has the Bible bound Christians to a narrow and mistaken notion of Jesus? To answer this question we need to know what story Jesus claimed for himself. In this revised and updated book Christopher Wright traces the life of Christ as it is illuminated by the Old Testament and describes God's design for Israel as it is fulfilled in the story of Jesus."

"The Bible was originally written to an ancient people removed from us by thousands of years and thousands of miles. The Scriptures include subtle culturally based nuances, undertones, and references to ancient events, literature, and customs that were intuitively understood by those who first heard the Scriptures read. The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible gives you a window into this word."

Introduction--The Old Testament -- The period of beginnings -- The patriarchal age -- Emancipation of Israel -- The religion of Israel -- Preparation of nationhood -- Occupation of Canaan -- Times of transition -- Union of Israel under David and Solomon -- The divided kingdom -- The northern secession -- The southern loyalists -- Revolution, recovery, and ruin -- Judah survives Assyrian imperialism -- Fading hopes of Davidic kings -- The Jews among the nations -- The good hand of God -- Interpretation of life -- Isaiah and his message -- Jeremiah--a man of fortitude -- Ezekiel--the watchman of Israel -- Daniel--statesman and prophet -- In times of prosperity -- Warnings to Judah -- Foreign nations in prophecy -- Beyond the exile."

"It's easy to see the Old Testament as confusing, out of date, or irrelevant. Using seven key sentences drawn straight from the Old Testament, Christopher J.H. Wright fits the pieces together, shows us the coherent whole, and points us toward Jesus. This short survey shows God's faithfulness and love for his people and illuminates how the Old Testament Scriptures prepared for the identity and mission of Jesus."