The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological, and Critical Introduction
Overview
A trusted scholar of the Old Testament and the ancient Near East offers a substantial introduction to the Old Testament that is accessibly written and informed by the latest biblical scholarship. Richard Hess summarizes the contents of the Old Testament, introduces the academic study of the discipline, and helps readers understand the complex world of critical and interpretive issues, addressing major concerns in the critical interpretation of each Old Testament book and key texts.
This volume provides a fulsome treatment for students preparing for ministry and assumes no prior knowledge of the Old Testament. Readers will learn how each book of the Old Testament was understood by its first readers, how it advances the larger message of the whole Bible, and what its message contributes to Christian belief and the Christian community.
Key Features
- Provides an extensive look at comparative, critical, and confessional issues in the Old Testament
- Examines each book in context of broader biblical and historical context
- Includes maps, photos, and recommendations for further study
Contents
- Pentateuch
- Historical Books
- Poetic Books
- Prophetic Books
Top Highlights
“So in conclusion, the single most important connection of Deuteronomy to the ancient Near Eastern context is its close relationship to the structure of the Hittite vassal treaties, a structure that changed after the twelfth century BC and is not attested elsewhere except in the covenant of Deuteronomy, as well as the covenants in Exodus and Joshua.” (Pages 137–138)
“God commands this in 12:1–3 and promises Abram a covenant consisting of the threefold promise: (1) land, though at this stage it is couched only in the form of the land that God promises to show Abram; (2) seed, meaning descendants, a great nation and a great name promised to Abram in contrast to the builders of Babel, who sought to make a name for themselves apart from God; and (3) becoming an instrument of universal blessing to all humankind. Although the latter promise has the most powerful relevance for Christians (who find the universal blessing in Jesus Christ, the Messiah and descendant of Abraham), the first two are essential for the latter promise to be realized. Land and seed will become the most important means to this great end of blessing for all.” (Page 28)
“Central to the book is the extended chiasm of 5:1–17, where the twin themes of justice and righteousness appear to an extent found nowhere else in the book. Here at the heart of the text lies the call to show these qualities to others and the warning that justice dictates a response from God for the failure of his people.” (Page 625)
“The first half of Daniel provides examples to encourage Jews to remain faithful in the midst of imperial challenges; the second half of the book provides hope for those faithful by holding out the future as a time of restoration of that which has been lost in the destruction of the Jewish homeland.” (Page 591)
Praise for the Print Edition
A groundbreaking historical, theological, and critical introduction to the Old Testament that goes far beyond other introductions in terms of breadth, depth, and scope. Hess’s engagement with the history of interpretation, his sensitivity to the theological and literary aspects of texts, and his willingness to engage gender, globalization, and postmodern ideologies, make this a must-have for scholars and students. I look forward to using this outstanding book in the classroom.
—Marion Taylor, professor of Old Testament, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
In this book Hess offers readers a current, critical, and hermeneutically instructive introduction to the Old Testament. Targeted at the graduate student, this book maps out the content of each book of the Old Testament via its canonical shape, theological import, and the critical scholarship brought to bear throughout the centuries. Particularly noteworthy are Hess’s masterful introduction of the discipline of text criticism, his inclusion of premodern criticism, and his investment in issues of gender, globalization, and postmodern epistemology. This weighty volume provides student and professor alike a treasure trove of data regarding what the Old Testament is, what it contains, and why its study is essential to the Christian community.
—Sandra Richter, professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College
As any seminary instructor will tell you, finding a good introductory textbook on the Old Testament is no easy task. Some are too critical while others are too general. Some are too conservative while others are too progressive. Some are too comparative while others are too insular. Some are too historical while others are too theologically oriented, often with little or no regard for the literary-historical context of the text itself. Rick Hess, however, has truly found a ‘golden mean’ with this new introduction. Students, teachers, pastors, and anyone else interested in the Word of God will love it.
—Michael S. Moore, faculty associate in Old Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary
An accessible yet informed introduction to the Old Testament. Hess orients readers to a breadth of approaches from ancient to modern without losing sight of the content of Scripture and its theological message for today.
—Mark J. Boda, professor of Old Testament, McMaster Divinity College; professor, Faculty of Theology, McMaster University
- Title: The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological, and Critical Introduction
- Author: Richard S. Hess
- Publisher: Baker Academic
- Print Publication Date: 2016
- Logos Release Date: 2018
- Pages: 815
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. O.T. › Introductions; Bible. O.T. › Criticism, interpretation, etc
- ISBNs: 9781493409761, 9780801037146, 149340976X, 080103714X
- Resource ID: LLS:LDTSTMNTRDCTN
- Resource Type: text.monograph.biblical-theology
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T01:08:21Z
Sample Pages from the Print Edition
Reviews
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Felmar Roel Rap. Singco
2/16/2018
Goodly book on the Hebrew Bible, but I have one mis giving: the author omits one important genre in the Holy Bible, and mentions only four (4) genres: the Pentateuch (or the Torah), the Historical Books, the Poetic Books, and the Prophetic Books. He omits one important genre: the Wisdom (or Didactic or Sapiential) Books, which genre is a great tradition in the Hebrew Bible.
