A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament

Description

Ancient Israel's Scriptures have exerted worldwide influence for more than two millennia. They explore human experience, including the human longing for the divine, through the powerful media of story, ritual, wisdom, and prophecy. This book retraces the Bible's exploration and shows how not only its conclusions but the steps taken to reach them still matter.

• Comprehensive treatment; each Old Testament book discussed
• Considers the theological meanings of the text as well as historical and literary
• Ties the structure of the books into their meaning
• Discusses community identity, openness to others, the importance of clear moral commitments

About the Author(s)

Mark W. Hamilton, Professor of the Old Testament, Abilene Christian University

Mark Hamilton has taught Hebrew Bible at Abilene Christian University since 2000. He has been a visiting professor in South Korea, New Zealand, and Croatia, as well as lecturing in many parts of the United States. He enjoys working with students of many cultures as they explore together the meanings of the ancient Israelite texts for life today.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: The Pentateuch in Brief
Chapter 3: "In the Beginning": The Book of Genesis
Chapter 4: Rescue and Renewal: The Book of Exodus
Chapter 5: On Holiness and Life: The Book of Leviticus
Chapter 6: In the Desert: The book of Numbers
Chapter 7: On Memory and Action: The Book of Deuteronomy
Chapter 8: Israelite Historiography
Chapter 9: A New Land and a New People: The Book of Joshua
Chapter 10: Seeking Order Amid Chaos: The Book of Judges
Chapter 11: Ruth, the Model Convert
Chapter 12: "God, King, and People": 1-2 Samuel
Chapter 13: The Triumph and Tragedy of Monarchy: 1-2 Kings
Chapter 14: 1-2 Chronicles
Chapter 15: Ezra and Nehemiah: Finding Life After Death
Chapter 16: The Queen of Comedies: The Book of Esther
Chapter 17: Poetic and Wisdom Texts
Chapter 18: God as Defendant and Plaintiff: The Book of Job
Chapter 19: The Praises and Laments of Israel: The Book of Psalms
Chapter 20: Proverbs: Wisdom and the Order of the World
Chapter 21: Ecclesiastes: Doubt as an Order of Faith
Chapter 22: Love in the Air: The Song of Songs
Chapter 23: Introduction to the Prophetic Books
Chapter 24: Isaiah, the Prophet of Salvation
Chapter 25: Not Just a Weeping Prophet: Jeremiah
Chapter 26: Mourning a Lost World, the Book of Lamentations
Chapter 27: Ezekiel the Prophet of the Rebuilt Temple
Chapter 28: Keeping Faith in a Distant Land: The Book of Daniel
Chapter 29: The Twelve Minor Prophets
Chapter 30: The Secondary Canon
Chapter 31: What's It All About?
Index

Reviews

"a fine entry in the genre ... Students will come away from this book knowing the basic plots, structure, and contents of the books of the Old Testament. Intended as a textbook, this book will also serve well as a secondary resource tool ... Recommended." - J. W. Wright, CHOICE

"This introduction to the Old Testament is a fine achievement; it could make an effective textbook for Christian colleges and seminaries and a useful reference work in other contexts." - John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary, Review of Biblical Literature

"Any author who attempts to write a theological introduction to the OT in the space of 388 pages takes on a herculean task. H. acquits himself well....H. has turned out a very commendable book for students" - Norman S. Wilson, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament

"Hamilton's introduction is a foremost accomplishment. It will maintain a long life as a stellar means of comprehending the OT." - Thomas H. Olbricht, Restoration Quarterly

"I highly recommend this text to pastors, Sunday School teachers, and interested laypersons who endeavor to read the Old Testament in its entirety, and to teach and preach from the Old Testament as well." - Joseph A. Deering, Reading Religion