by Stephen L. Harris and Robert L. Platzner
Designed for students undertaking their first systematic study of the Hebrew Bible, The Old Testament has two goals: to acquaint readers with the content and major themes of the biblical documents, and to introduce them to issues in biblical scholarship. Pedagogically rich and reader-friendly, this text is ideal for conventional introductory courses using historical-critical methodology. The Old Testament will also be useful in courses studying the Bible literature and can function as a reference text in the study of ancient religion.
Features:
- The text's logical organization follows the order of the three-part canonical Hebrew Bible - Torah, Prophets, Writings - as well as the Apocrypha and the Pseudepigrapha.
- Learning aids include lists of key themes and key terms, review questions, a bibliography, a complete glossary, and many visual aids throughout, including attractive maps.
- The text surveys both current theories regarding who wrote the Bible and conflicts among those theories.
- An entire chapter traces the evolution of the concept of God in ancient Israel.
- The text explores the controversial theories about the historical origins of Israel and dating of biblical documents.
- The text addresses the theological implications of the Wisdom tradition, including the Book of Job.
- The text reviews the formation and the canonization of the Hebrew Bible, including the sociopolitical forces shaping the process.