Wiki Wills

Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament

Description

Since its publication in 1982, Old Testament Survey has served as the standard textbook on the background, content, literary quality, and message of the Old Testament. The second edition of this excellent work has been thoroughly revised and updated to take into account new research in the field of Old Testament studies. The book now also includes important new contributions from six leading biblical studies scholars: Leslie C. Allen, James R. Battenfield, John E. Hartley, Robert L. Hubbard Jr., John E. McKenna, and William B. Nelson Jr. Reflecting the best of evangelical scholarship, Old Testament Survey provides a comprehensive study of the nature and contents of each of the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and also considers the historical data and theological themes relevant to the Hebrew Scriptures. Part 1 covers the five books of the Pentateuch. Part 2 studies the books of the Prophets, with special consideration given to the birth and history of Israel's monarchy, the role of prophets and prophecy, and the nature of Hebrew poetry. Part 3 examines the Writings, including a special study of wisdom literature in general. Part 4, which has been relocated from the front of the book to the back, contains studies of various background themes necessary for understanding the Old Testament: "The Authority of the Old Testament for Christians", "Revelation and Inspiration", "The Concept of Canon", "Formation of the Old Testament", "Geography", "The Chronological Puzzle", "Archaeology", and "Messianic Prophecy". All of the revisions and enhancements undertaken in this volume will make Old Testament Survey even more serviceable for college and seminary use as well as for study byscholars, pastors, and interested lay readers.

Reviews

Rating: 2 / 5
Date: 2010-04-28
Summary: "Not as indepth as advertised"

I was disappointed in the lack of discussion on each individual book of the Old Testament. The write up on it led me to think it would be more in-depth. It was advertised as "... serviceable for college and seminary use as well as for study by scholars, pastors, and interested lay readers." That is definitely too many bases to cover! If you know nothing about the Old Testament, buy it. If you're looking for information to supplement a Bible study beyond a cursory reading of scripture, find another book.

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Rating: 4 / 5
Date: 2009-08-20
Summary: "Great OT Text"

As far as text books go, this is very readable and informative. Photographs and charts give you the opportunity to get a better picture of what the text attempts to convey.

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Rating: 4 / 5
Date: 2009-02-28
Summary: "Good information, some a little over my head!"

I am a lay person and was looking for more information about the OT. My brother, an ordained Methodist minister, recommended this to me. It has good information and is laid out well, but some of the theology is over my head. I am using it more for reference as I read and would buy it again.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-02-25
Summary: "excellent commentary"

This is an excellent partner to any study of the Old Testament. It is extremely informative in regards to historical context and theological themes of each book. I highly recommend it.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-01-19
Summary: "Exceellent reference"

This book shows a fair non-denominational veiw of the Old Testament. This is a must for anyone who really wants to study the Bible.