Understanding the Old Testament

by Bernhard Anderson, Steven Bishop, Judith Newman

Overview

Presents a study of the Old Testament by interweaving historical, archeological, literary, and religious perspectives. The book traces the story of the people of Israel from the Exodus in the time of Moses through the dawn of the Common Era. KEY TOPICS: It considers the importance of literary criticism and other methods for understanding the literature of ancient Israel; treats the latest archaeological discoveries that illuminate the Old Testament period.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780130923806
Publisher:	Pearson Education
Publication date:	02/23/2006
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	704
Product dimensions:	7.05(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.98(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Old Testament as the Story of a People.

I. THE CREATION OF A PEOPLE.

1. The Beginnings of Israel.

2. Liberation from Bondage.

3. Covenant in the Wilderness.

4. The Promised Land.

5. The Formation of an All-Israelite Epic.

6. The Struggle Between Faith and Culture.

II. ISRAEL BECOMES LIKE THE NATIONS.

7. The Throne of David.

8. Prophetic Troublers of Israel.

9. Fallen is the Virgin Israel.

10. Judah's Covenant with Death.

11. The Rediscovery of Mosaic Torah.

12. The Doom of the Nation.

III. THE COVENANT COMMUNITY IS RENEWED.

13. By the Waters of Babylon.

14. The Dawn of a New Age.

15. A Kingdom of Priests.

16. The Praises of Israel.

17. The Beginning of Wisdom.

18. The Unfinished Story.

Comprehensive Chronological Chart.

Selected Bibliography.

Author Index.

Subject Index.

Editorial Reviews

"I have been using Understanding the Old Testament as a required text with college sophomores, and as a recommended aid for M. A. students, for many years now. The high level of scholarship and writing, and the clarity with which complex material is organized for the students, are its two main attractions for me. Students appreciate the help of a clear text that guides them through a large volume of complex material. I appreciate the way the textbook gives the students a kind of road-map, so that I can spend class time on other things."—Mary Callaway, Fordham University

"Since I have been using this book, student complaints are down. It has also given me the freedom to concentrate on the issues of primary interest to me because it covers the material so well...The style, level of detail, examples and so on interest my students, and even those students with little background can follow it"—Harvey Hill, Berry College

From the Publisher