What a refreshingly helpful guide through the ‘wild world’ of the Old Testament! Each chapter connects this ancient text to our lives today, expertly summarizes the contents of these books, and even adds color with a wealth of pictures that visually enliven the biblical world. With this book in the hands of students of the Word, they can confidently and joyfully embark on an exploration of Genesis through Malachi.”
—Chad Bird, Scholar in Residence at 1517
“In Approaching the Old Testament, Al Fuhr and Gary Yates invite students to savor the delights found in the Old Testament as they guide them into a broad understanding of its various books and storyline. Through clear writing and numerous visuals, they elucidate this crucial portion of God’s Word, which, for many people, is read too rarely and appreciated too little.”
—Daniel J. Estes, Distinguished Professor of Old Testament, Cedarville University
“There are a number of resources available that seek to provide a good overview of key issues of Old Testament books, and this volume by Yates and Fuhr provides an outstanding overview. Its features offer relevance, clarity, and helpful explanations of important issues. Pastors of churches, teachers of Old Testament Survey, and any diligent student of the Word will find this a gold mine. Yates and Fuhr have provided good depth with clarity and brevity.”
—Michael A. Grisanti, Distinguished Research Professor of Old Testament, The Master’s Seminary
“This is an outstanding textbook survey of the Old Testament. It is readable, interesting, and engaging, both intellectually and spiritually. The multitude of pictures and maps, as well as carefully crafted study questions, are extremely helpful. In addition, throughout the book, Fuhr and Yates continually illustrate and underscore the relevance of the Old Testament for Christian living today. I recommend it wholeheartedly.”
—J. Daniel Hays, Dean, Pruet School of Christian Studies, and Professor of Biblical Studies, Ouachita Baptist University
“Fuhr and Yates have answered the call for an introductory textbook that is highly accessible and attentive to the major interpretive questions faced by students. Their work excels at highlighting the two most important features in any Bible survey: a dedication to the authority of the Scripture within its literary and cultural contexts and a biblical-theological focus that continually points to the law-fulfilling work of Christ.”
—Jordan W. Jones, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies, Regent University School of Divinity
“This one took me off guard . . . in a good way. The chapters on each book of the Old Testament do not end with personal application and relevance for today. They begin with it. Every main chapter of Approaching the Old Testament by Fuhr and Yates starts by showing students what this biblical book teaches and why we need it. These opening sections each conclude with a prayer. That’s right. A prayer. These on-ramps set the tone for students to study the background issues and highlights of each book of the Old Testament. I am learning from this faithful approach to studying the Old Testament.”
—Gary Edward Schnittjer, Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Cairn University
“Approaching the Old Testament is perfectly crafted as an introductory survey. By leading each chapter with connections to contemporary life and ending with reflective questions, this survey leads the reader to engage God’s Word. To be clear, the connections and reflections are no mere veneer of relevancy; they are drawn from the literary and theological themes that distinctively mark each book. Faithful, devotional, well researched, and accessible, this is truly an excellent entry point for exploring the Old Testament.”
—J. Michael Thigpen, Professor of Old Testament, Phoenix Seminary
