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This volume introduces ancient Israel's Scriptures, or the Hebrew Bible, commonly called the Old Testament. It also traces the legacy of monotheism first found in the pages of the Old Testament. Where pertinent to the message of the Old Testament, the book explores issues of history, comparative religions, and sociology, while striking a balance among these topics by focusing primarily on literary features of the text. In addition, frequent sidebar discussions introduce the reader to contemporary scholarship, especially the results of historical-critical research and archaeology. Along the way, the book explores how the Old Testament conceptualized and gave rise to monotheism, one of the most significant developments in history, giving this study a currency for twenty-first-century readers.
This volume introduces ancient Israel's Scriptures, or the Hebrew Bible, commonly called the Old Testament. It also traces the legacy of monotheism first found in the pages of the Old Testament. Where pertinent to the message of the Old Testament, the book explores issues of history, comparative religions, and sociology, while striking a balance among these topics by focusing primarily on literary features of the text. In addition, frequent sidebar discussions introduce the reader to contemporary scholarship, especially the results of historical-critical research and archaeology. Along the way, the book explores how the Old Testament conceptualized and gave rise to monotheism, one of the most significant developments in history, giving this study a currency for twenty-first-century readers.
1. What is the Old Testament?; 2. Word of truth - word of God; 3. The Old Testament world; 4. The primary history; 5. Beginnings; 6. Ancestors; 7. Torah story; 8. Torah instruction; 9. Torah revisited; 10. Moses' religion; 11. Was there an 'ancient Israel'?; 12. Land; 13. Kings; 14. More kings; 15. History revisited; 16. More books; 17. Israel's wisdom; 18. Israel's hymnal; 19. Israel's prophets: the maturing period; 20. Israel's prophets: the crisis and beyond; 21. Israel's prophets: the restoration; 22. Israel's apocalyptic message; 23. The scrolls; 24. The Old Testament today.
This volume introduces the Old Testament and traces the legacy of monotheism first found in the pages of Israel's Scriptures.
Bill T. Arnold is the Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous books and articles in biblical studies, including Genesis (The New Cambridge Bible Commentary Series, Cambridge University Press, 2009) and A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax (with John H. Choi, Cambridge University Press, 2003). He is also the co-editor of Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books (with H. G. M. Williamson, 2005) and Readings from the Ancient Near East: Primary Sources for Old Testament Study (with Bryan E. Bayer, 2002), and author of Who Were the Babylonians? (2004) and 1 and 2 Samuel: The NIV Application Commentary (2003).
'Arnold has provided an introduction to the Old Testament for the
twenty-first century unlike any other to date. Recognizing the
influence of this collection on the three great monotheistic faiths
of today, Arnold explores the significance of monotheism throughout
Israel's Scriptures while also providing a thorough, balanced, and
informed introduction to the texts themselves. Highly recommended!'
W. Dennis Tucker, Jr, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor
University
'This is one of the best resources I've seen in a long time. The
clarity of writing makes this a perfect primer for those who are
new to the Bible. The breadth of topics makes it a wonderful review
for those who are well versed in the Scriptures. I will be
recommending this work to students and colleagues alike!' Roy L.
Heller, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist
University
'In this volume, Bill T. Arnold adopts a literary approach to the
Old Testament that also pays particular attention to monotheism:
one of its signal contributions to religious history. The result is
a truly interesting, highly engaging, and deeply relevant
introduction. A further boon: Arnold's erudition, considered
adjudication of contested matters, and pedagogical savvy are on
display at every turn.' Brent A. Strawn, Emory University
'… this very accessible and beautifully edited introduction
certainly deserves its place among other textbooks in its genre …'
H. Debel, Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses
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