Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament » (REV)

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 by scholars, pastors, and interested lay readers.

Religious Studies Review

A thoroughly up-to-date introduction for evangelically oriented seminary and college students.... The volume is filled with photographs, maps, charts, etc., that will prove extremely useful to the student.... Extensive bibliographies and notes lead the reader into scholarly discussion.

Part One: The Torah

1. The Pentateuch
2. Genesis: Primeval Prologue
3. Genesis: Patriarchal History
4. Exodus: Historical Background
5. Exodus: Message
6. Leviticus
7. Numbers
8. Deuteronomy

Part Two: The Prophets

9. The Former Prophets
10. Joshua
11. Judges
12. Birth of the Monarchy (1 Sam. 1:1-2 Sam. 5:10)
13. Israel's Golden Age: David and Solomon (2 Sam. 5:11-1 Kgs. 11:43)
14. Divided Monarchy (1 Kgs. 12:1-2 Kgs. 18:12)
15. Judah Alone (2 Kgs. 18-25)
16. Prophets and Prophecy
17. Hebrew Poetry
18. Amos
19. Hosea
20. Micah
21. Isaiah: Background
22. Isaiah: Message
23. Zephaniah, Nahum, and Habakkuk
24. Jeremiah
25. Ezekiel
26. Obadiah and Joel
27. Jonah
28. Haggai
29. Zechariah
30. Malachi

Part Three: The Writings

31. Introduction to the Writings
32. Psalms
33. Wisdom Literature
34. Proverbs
35. Job
36. Ecclesiastes
37. The Song of Songs
38. Ruth
39. Lamentations
40. The Scroll of Esther
41. The Chronicler's Perspective
42. Ezra-Nehemiah
43. Daniel

Part Four: The Background

44. The Authority of the Old Testament for Christians
45. Revelation and Inspiration
46. The Concept of Canon
47. Formation of the Old Testament
48. Geography
49. The Chronological Puzzle
50. Archaeology
51. Messianic Prophecy

Abbreviations
For Further Reading
General Bibliography
Endnotes
Indexes