Old Testaments Books

Book SynopsisAs intricate as a Fabergé egg, as multi-layered as an onion, Ruth is the story of ordinary people working out how to live in God’s loving ways through agonising personal circumstances. It’s also an account of how the God of love works through faithful people to fulfil his purposes for them, for their nation, and indeed for all humankind. In this six-session guide, Mark Greene’s astute questions, mini-features, and contemporary stories will help you to appreciate the book’s drama, wonder afresh at the Lord’s grace, and find inspiration and encouragement for all of life, Monday to Sunday. The fourth in this seven-study series from LICC, developed to enable Christians to read, reflect on, and see the implications of the Bible for themselves and their daily contexts – their frontlines.Trade ReviewApplied, flexible, relevant, and engaging; this Bible study series will equip you to get into the Bible and see its sharp relevance to your everyday life. * John Risbridger, Above Bar Church *

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Book SynopsisThe chequered story of the Kings, lasting nearly five centuries, ended disastrously in 587 BC with the sack of Jerusalem, the fall of the monarchy, and the removal to Babylonia of all that made Judah politically viable. It was a death to make way for a rebirth. This study of the closely related books of Ezra and Nehemiah charts the Jews' return from exile to Jerusalem and the beginnings of that rebirth. As the drama unfolds, above all and through all, we see the good hand of God at work. The Tyndale Old Testament Commentary is designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text says and what it means. The Introduction to each book gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting and purpose. Following a structural Analysis, the Commentary takes the book section by section, drawing out its main themes, and also comments on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional Notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties. In the new Old Testament volumes, the commentary on each section of the text is structured under three headings: 'Content', 'Comment' and 'Meaning'. The goal is to explain the true meaning of the Bible and make its message plain.

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Book SynopsisThis inaugural volume in the series,Themes and Issues in Biblical Studies, includes 19 articles that, collectively, provide readers with informed presentations of a range of current debates concerning Deuteronomy as well as key themes and their implications.

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Book Synopsis"The title, Old Testament, creates difficulties of its own. If it is "Old" and we are people of the "New", surely we may properly let it fade away into history? Besides, it seems very unlike the New Testament, even contradictory: all those wars when Jesus is the Prince of peace; all those commandments to obey when we are not under law but under grace. And can the God of the Old Testament be a God of love like the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?"These are the questions that Alec Motyer, a life long lover of the Old Testament, seeks to answer starting with the conviction that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Old Testament Scripture. This is for the Christian who wants to know what the Old Testament has to do with the New Testament and why the Christian should read it. A comprehensive survey of the Old Testament organised around its authors and major characters, the theme of this book is that the Holy Spirit chose, fashioned and equipped the biblical authors to convey distinctive truths through each of them.'Trade Review"This is vintage Motyer; it is affectionate--the writer's sheer delight in 'the law of the Lord' tends to ooze out from behind the print; it is fresh--he's familiar with the scholarly waterfront but Jacob-like has wrestled and stewed over these texts himself (and his struggle is our gain); it is devious, for Alec clearly wants to hook you on the Old Testament! Huge kudos to 'Focus' for this format." -- Dale Ralph Davis (Respected Author and Old Testament Scholar)"This is a masterful panorama of the old testament. Helpful thumbnails of each book, illuminating engagement with the text, perceptive connections with our own day and faith combine to make this a superb overview of the old testament. The arrangement of material along the timeline of history is immensely useful and at a stroke clarifies how the old testament flows toward the new; but the real genius of the book is that it begins with that destination: with Christ, whose Scripture it was. Seasoned preachers and inquiring beginners alike will gain from every page. Read it : it's brilliant!" -- Dominic Smart ((1959 – 2020) Author and conference speaker)'There can be no doubt that this book benefits greatly from Alec Motyer's lifetime of Old Testament study. His mastery of the Hebrew text, his knowledge of the Old Testament background, and his conviction that Jesus Christ is the fulfilment of the law and prophets together give him a rare ability to paint the big picture and to tell the 'story within the story' of the Old Testament.' -- John Stott ( (1921-2011), Rector Emeritus, All Souls Church, Langham Place, London)

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Book SynopsisThe King James Bible of 1611 has been one of the richest sources for English language and literature for nearly four centuries and is itself a work of the greatest poetic beauty. This beautifully designed edition is for the general reader, uncluttered by footnotes and set in full pages rather than the usual narrow columns. George Steiner's introduction illuminates the Bible's profound effect on the history of English literature and includes a moving personal reading of the greatest of texts. It also places the Bible within the history and development of Judaeo-Christian thought.

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Book SynopsisThe book of Chronicles has had a chequered past. Neglected for many years under the fortunate name of Paraleipomen or ‘Things omitted’, meant that they occupied a subordinate position in the Scriptures until the 4th century AD when the title ‘A Chronicle of the whole Sacred History’ was suggested instead. This has since been shortened to Chronicles and the rest is, literally history. Probably penned by Ezra, Chronicles is a selective history of the Jews encouraging them to trust that God is intimately involved in their story. Written at a time when the Jews were newly out of captivity and with their capital city in ruins, Chronicles assures them of God’s faithfulness. If they would obey and serve him then his people would still enjoy his blessing. Cyril Barber has also written Focus on the Bible’s commentary on 1 Chronicles.

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Book SynopsisThe present volume contains a collection of articles from an international conference in Zürich that brought together leading voices from North America, Europe, and Israel to evaluate the present state of research on the composition of the Pentateuch. The aim of the conference was to clarify differences in methodology and to identify points of convergence in the present state of pentateuchal research as a basis for further discussion."The essays in this volume provide important insights about the way toward a better understanding of the Pentateuch's literary development."Angela Roskop Erisman in Journal of the American Oriental Society 133.3 (2013), p. 551-553

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Book SynopsisThe editors of The Jewish Annotated New Testament show how and why Jews and Christians read many of the same Biblical texts - including passages from the Pentateuch, the Prophets, and the Psalms - differently. Exploring and explaining these diverse perspectives, they reveal more clearly Scripture’s beauty and power.   Esteemed Bible scholars and teachers Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Z. Brettler take readers on a guided tour of the most popular Hebrew Bible passages quoted in the New Testament to show what the texts meant in their original contexts and then how Jews and Christians, over time, understood those same texts. Passages include the creation of the world, the role of Adam and Eve, the Suffering Servant of Isiah, the book of Jonah, and Psalm 22, whose words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me,” Jesus quotes as he dies on the cross. Comparing various interpretations - historical, literary, and theological - of each ancient text, Levine and Brettler offer deeper understandings of the original narratives and their many afterlives. They show how the text speaks to different generations under changed circumstances, and so illuminate the Bible’s ongoing significance. By understanding the depth and variety by which these passages have been, and can be, understood, The Bible With and Without Jesus does more than enhance our religious understandings, it helps us to see the Bible as a source of inspiration for any and all readers.  

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Book SynopsisLeading apologetics writer with a proven track record tackles the most difficult Old Testament passages and topics, helping readers to reconcile the God of righteousness with the God of love.

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Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the mos

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Book SynopsisThis book explores God’s use of violence as depicted in the Hebrew Bible. Focusing on the Pentateuch, it reads biblical narratives and codes of law as documenting formations of theopolitical imagination. Ophir deciphers the logic of divine rule that these documents betray, with a special attention to the place of violence within it. The book draws from contemporary biblical scholarship, while also engaging critically with contemporary political theory and political theology, including the work of Walter Benjamin, Giorgio Agamben, Jan Assmann, Regina Schwartz, and Michael Walzer. Ophir focuses on three distinct theocratic formations: the rule of disaster, where catastrophes are used as means of governance; the biopolitical rule of the holy, where divine violence is spatially demarcated and personally targeted; and the rule of law where divine violence is vividly remembered and its return is projected, anticipated, and yet postponed, creating a prolonged lull for the text’s present. Different as these formations are, Ophir shows how they share an urform that anticipates the main outlines of the modern European state, which has monopolized the entire globe. A critique of the modern state, the book argues, must begin in revisiting the deification of the state, unpacking its mostly repressed theological dimension.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments | vii Introduction | 1 1. Staying with the Violence | 13 Divine Violence—A Trailer, 13 • A Brief Note on Counting and Explaining Away, 21 • Violence, as It Is Unfolding: A Phenomenological Sketch, 24 • Literal Reading and the Biblical Language of Violence, 36 2. Theocracy: The Persistence of an Ancient Lacuna | 45 Theocracy, with and beyond Flavius Josephus, 45 • The Blind Spot: Three Contemporary Readings of Biblical Violence, 53 • On the Attribution of Power and Authority, 74 • Kingship, Anarchy, Theocracy, 79 • Hypothesis, Method, and Stakes, 86 3. The Rule of Disaster: Extinction, Genocides, and Other Calamities | 96 Becoming Political, 96 • From Extinction to Genocide, 99 • Beyond Destruction, 105 • Separation and Disaster, 113 • Violence and Law, 124 • The Sovereign’s Moment, 130 • Scouts in the Land of the Giants: Three Theocratic Formations, 139 4. Holy Power: States of Exception, Targeted Killings, and the Logic of Substitution | 145 Holiness, 145 • Rebellions in the Wilderness, 160 • Substitution and Containment, 178 5. The Time of the Covenant and the Temporalization of Violence | 193 The Experimental Setting: Recalling Violence and Regulating It, 196 • The Covenant and the Curses, 204 • The Weight of the Present, 214 • The Subjects’ Trap, or the People’s Irony, 222 • A Midianite Utopia, 230 Afterword: The Pentateuchal State, and Ours | 241 Notes | 257 Works Cited | 317 Index | 335

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Book SynopsisA new translation and commentary on I Maccabees that offers a fresh interpretation of the author's values and purposeTrade Review“An outstanding work of excellent quality, with fresh and coherent interpretations and exemplary engagement with scholarly literature.”—Jan Willem van Henten, University of Amsterdam

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Book SynopsisA new translation and commentary on the biblical book of Micah that proposes a convincing new theory of its composition historyTrade Review“A great scholarly achievement. With expert knowledge of biblical prophetic literature and its historical contexts, Becking offers an illuminating new perspective on the book of Micah.”—Göran Eidevall, Uppsala University

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Book SynopsisIn this five-session video Bible study, Max Lucado explores the grace that God showed to Jacob in the Bible, revealing how the Lord sticks with the unworthy and the underachievers until they are safely home.

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Book SynopsisA new commentary for today''s world, The Story of God Bible Commentary explains and illuminates each passage of Scripture in light of the Bible''s grand story.The first commentary series to do so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical texts, guiding everyday readers in how to creatively and faithfully live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric approach is ideal for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers, and laypeople alike.Each volume employs three main, easy-to-use sections designed to help readers live out God''s story: LISTEN to the Story: Includes complete NIV text with references to other texts at work in each passage, encouraging the reader to hear it within the Bible''s grand story. EXPLAIN the Story: Explores and illuminates each text as embedded in its canonical and historical setting. LIVE

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Book SynopsisThe Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction—covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography—a helpful resource containing the mos

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Book SynopsisThe Bible, Gender, and Reception History: The Case of Job''s Wife investigates the fleeting appearance in the Bible of Job''s wife and its impact on the imaginations of readers throughout history. It begins by presenting key interpretive gaps in the biblical text concerning Job and his wife, explaining the way gender studies offers guiding principles with which the author engages a reception history of their marriage. After analyzing Job and his wife within medieval Christian theology of Eden, the author identifies ways in which Job''s wife visually aligns with medieval images of Satan. The volume explores portrayals of Job and his wife in publications on marriage and gender roles in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, moving onto an investigation of William Blake''s sharp artistic divergence from the common tradition in his representation of Job''s wife as a shrew. In the exploration of societal portrayals of Job and his Wife throughout history, this book discovers how argTrade ReviewLow examines how people understood Job’s wife in various historical periods. Shebegins in late antiquity, covering sermons, commentaries, and art pieces from the medieval, Renaissance, Reformation, and modern periods. The interpretation of Job’s wife through the ages reveals the prejudices of the interpreters, particularly their attitudes toward women and marriage. Over the years, interpreters compared Job’s wife to Eve, Satan, the ideal wife, and the shrewish wife. L. approaches her topic through the lens of feminist theory, or genders tudies, highlighting the woman’s voice in the text, often silenced or displaced by other concerns. She uncovers how patriarchal interpretation diminishes women. She says, “Job’s wife comes to represent a whole package of assumptions about marriage, female vulnerability to satan, and religious expectations of gendered behavior” (p. 23). -- David Penchansky, University of St. Thomas * The Catholic Bible Quarterly *Low's book is a valuable contribution to the field of biblical reception history ... She employs gender theory in her analysis astutely and discerningly and biblical scholars could learn a lot from the ways in which she deploys her methodology ... [An] impressive book. -- Alan Hooker, University of Exeter, UK * Theology and Sexuality *Low has gathered a large amount of material together to argue her case in relation to Job’s wife, using primarily gender theory/hermeneutics as the lens through which the various data are analyzed … there is no question that Low’s work is of a strong interdisciplinary character. Those interested in particular in gender theory and its application to the biblical text will no doubt find much to interact with in these pages. Further, because the book deals with such a vast amount of historical material in relation to Job’s wife, it should be consulted by all those interested in her reception in history. -- Jordan M. Scheetz, Tyndale Theological SeminaryTable of ContentsIntroduction 1.Eden's Dunghill and the Wife's Deviant Speech 2. The Troublesome Trip of Job, His Wife, and Satan in Medieval Art 3. Satan's Disappearance and Job's Wife as Renaissance Shrew 4. Job's Wife's Place in the Woman Question, Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries 5. William Blake's Sublime 6. Job and Job's Wife as Emanation 7. Conclusion Bibliography

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Book SynopsisElse K. Holt is Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies in the Department of Culture and Society at Aarhus University, Denmark. She has published several articles on the theology of Jeremiah and its reception in both English and Danish. She is the co-editor with Paul Kim and Andrew Mein of the upcoming Concerning the Nations (November 2014).Carolyn J. Sharp is Professor of Hebrew Scriptures at Yale Divinity School, USA. Among her books are Prophecy and Ideology in Jeremiah (2003) and Irony and Meaning in the Hebrew Bible (2009). She is co-editor with Christl M. Maier of Prophecy and Power: Jeremiah in Feminist and Postcolonial Perspective (2013).Trade ReviewThis collection of essays on dream and vision reports is a welcome addition to the relatively scarce scholarship focusing on the topic ... I am confident that the reader will find his/her own favourites in this valuable volume. * Journal of Theological Studies *Table of ContentsContents Contributors Abbreviations 1. Introduction Else K. Holt, Aarhus University, Denmark and Carolyn J. Sharp, Yale Divinity School, USA 2. Duhm and Skinner’s Invention of Jeremiah, Joe Henderson, Biola University, USA 3. Seduced by Method: History and Jeremiah 20 Mary Chilton Callaway, Fordham University, USA 4. Sunk in the Mud: Literary Correlation and Collaboration between King and Prophet in the Book of Jeremiah Barbara Green, Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, USA 5. Bare Naked: A Gender Analysis of the Naked Body in Jeremiah 13 Amy Kalmanofsky, The Jewish Theological Seminary New York, USA 6. Figuration in Jeremiah’s Confessions: With Questions for Isaiah’s Servant Kathleen M. O’Connor, Columbia Theological Seminary, USA 7. Deathscape and Lament in Jeremiah and Lamentations Mary E.Mills, Liverpool Hope University, USA 8. First-Person Figurations of Servant and Suffering in Isaiah and Jeremiah: A Response to Mary Mills and Kathleen O’Connor A. R. Pete Diamond (1950–2011) and Louis Stulman, University of Findlay, USA 9. Art and Atrocity, and the Book of Jeremiah Louis Stulman, University of Findlay, USA 10. Prophetic Sign Acts as Performances Johanna Erzberger, Institut Catholique de Paris, France 11. Jeremiah the Lamenter: A Synoptic Reading Else K. Holt, Aarhus University, Denmark 12. Indexes

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Book SynopsisBrian J. Abasciano earned his Ph.D. in divinity from the University of Aberdeen, UK, pastors at Faith Community Church in Hampton, New Hampshire, USA, and serves as an adjunct professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, USA.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Abbreviations Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: The Potter and Clay Texts in Their Old Testament Contexts Chapter 3: Interpretive Traditions Relating to the Old Testament Potter and Clay Texts Chapter 4: Paul's Use of the Old Testament in Romans 9.19-24 Chapter 5: Concluding Reflections Bibliography

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Book SynopsisErnest Lucas is Vice Principal Emeritus of Bristol Baptist College and an Associate Research Fellow of Spurgeon's College, London, UK.Trade ReviewWith clarity and insight, Ernest Lucas guides readers through the key issues involved in the interpretation of Daniel. Lucas’ deep awareness of the sources shines through, as does his judicious assessment of the main debates. A real strength of this study guide is that he not only tells readers about the book of Daniel, he provides a path for them to read and engage with it themselves, making this a vital resource for those who study and teach Daniel. * David G. Firth, Trinity College Bristol, UK and University of the Free State, South Africa *I doubt if there is a book in the Old Testament that is more confusing than Daniel, and when scholars seek to explain the book, they can easily make the situation worse. Dr Lucas is the exception. He cannot alter the fact that studying Daniel is a challenge. He does introduce Daniel as straightforwardly, intelligibly, and reliably as anyone could.’ * John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary, USA *With clarity and insight, Ernest Lucas guides readers through the key issues involved in the interpretation of Daniel. Lucas’ deep awareness of the sources shines through, as does his judicious assessment of the main debates. A real strength of this study guide is that he not only tells readers about the book of Daniel, he provides a path for them to read and engage with it themselves, making this a vital resource for those who study and teach Daniel. * David G. Firth, Trinity College Bristol, UK and University of the Free State, South Africa *I doubt if there is a book in the Old Testament that is more confusing than Daniel, and when scholars seek to explain the book, they can easily make the situation worse. Dr Lucas is the exception. He cannot alter the fact that studying Daniel is a challenge. He does introduce Daniel as straightforwardly, intelligibly, and reliably as anyone could.’ * John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary, USA *Table of Contents1. Daniel: The Book 2. Prophecy and Apocalyptic 3. The Sage 4. Resistance Literature 5. Who, When and Where? 6. The Additions Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis work argues that 2 Sam 8:15-20:26 is a literary unit designed to show how David and his house failed to establish "justice and righteousness" during David's reign over all Israel.Trade Review"The first manifestation of this study was as a 2000 doctoral dissertation at the University of Cambridge focusing on the characterization of Joab in the passage. Scholars are falling away from the hypothesis that this part of 2 Samuel and 1 Kings 1-2 together form a defense of Solomonic succession, he explains, but no paradigm has risen to replace it. In that vacuum, he focuses on Samuel alone, and its expression of values as a contribution to exploring the overall ethics of the Old Testament. His topics include justice and righteousness as ancient Near Eastern ethical ideal and hermeneutical constructs, redefining the court history according to the passage, reading it as the beginnings and corruption of justice and righteousness, the perversion of justice and righteousness in the Absalom affair, and the death of justice and righteousness with David's return and Sheba's secession." -Eithne O'Leyne, BOOK NEWS, Inc.Indeed, [the author's] evaluation of David's reign through the lens of "justice and righteousness" and his close reading of these chapters of 2 Samuel are the real strengths and benefits of his book. -- Hebrew Studies, Volume LIITable of ContentsnullnullChapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Critical Methodology Chapter 3: Justice and Righteousness as Ancient Near Eastern Ethical Ideal and Hermeneutical Construct Chapter 4: Redefining the Court History as a Literary Unit according to 2 Samuel 8:15b-20:26 Chapter 5: Reading 2 Samuel 8:15b-10:19 as the Beginnings of Justice and Righteousness: David's Acts of Kindness and the Ammonite-Aramean War Chapter 6: Reading 2 Samuel 11-12 as the Corruption of Justice and Righteousness: The Uriah Affair and the Fall of Rabbah Chapter 7: Reading 2 Samuel 13:1-19:9[8] as the Perversion of Justice and Righteousness: The Absalom Affair Chapter 8: Reading 2 Samuel 19:10[9]-20:26 as the Death of Justice and Righteousness: David's Return and Sheba's Secession Chapter 9: Conclusion

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Book SynopsisIn this guide, Jill Middlemas introduces students to the Book of Lamentations by examining the book's structure and characteristics, covering the latest in biblical scholarship on Lamentations, including historical and interpretive issues, and considering a range of scholarly approaches. In particular, the guide provides students with an introduction to Hebrew poetry as it relates to Lamentations and includes insights from the field of trauma and postcolonial studies. With suggestions of further reading at the end of each chapter, this guide will be an useful accompaniment to study of Lamentations.Trade ReviewThis beautifully written work bristles with theological insight and exegetical acuity. Students and teachers will appreciate Jill Middlemas’s attention to the text’s poetic artistry, cultural setting and reception history, along with her focus on feminist and post-colonial criticism. A perfect primer for university and seminary classes! * Louis Stulman, University of Findlay, USA *This guide is rich with information, not only on the Book of Lamentations, but also on themes in current biblical interpretation such as poetry, composition, reader response and theology. Jill Middlemas takes her point of departure in the poetry of the book and this leads to a thorough reading of Lamentations as both a work of art and a source of theological reflection for readers. * Else Holt, Aarhus University, Denmark *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Lamentations as Literature 2. The Provenance and Historical Backdrop of Lamentations 3. Lamentations in Theology and Trauma Studies Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe first of two volumes showcasing Merton's teaching on scriptural exegesis.Trade ReviewAs a monk, Thomas Merton was totally immersed in sacred Scripture and, in this book, we encounter some of the earliest fruits of Merton's own prayer, lectio, and study as he began teaching Scripture in the years immediately after his ordination. A Monastic Introduction to Sacred Scripture is a foretaste of the rich banquet that would flow from Merton's pen in the ensuing years. Paul M. Pearson, Thomas Merton Center This book brilliantly elucidates the centrality of sacred Scripture in Merton's monastic life and reveals his successful efforts to integrate modern exegetical methods with the ancient tradition of monastic biblical hermeneutics. O'Connell's profoundly learned introduction and illuminating editorial notations situate Merton's lectures within the broader frame of theological renewal unfolding before and throughout the Second Vatican Council. This work is an indispensable contribution to the field of Merton studies. Joseph Q. Raab, Siena Heights University, co-editor of The Merton Annual The history of monastic biblical interpretation 'must not be studied from the outside,' insists Thomas Merton, but demands 'a deepened and experiential study, from within'. Th­is critical volume demonstrates Merton's encounter with the Bible 'from within' prior to Vatican II, while underscoring just how transformed his reading of the Scriptures would be by his engagement with Jewish and Protestant voices during the 1960s. Editor Patrick O'Connell tracks that dramatic evolution to the great benefit of readers. Christopher Pramuk, Regis UniversityTable of ContentsForeword by Bonnie Bowman Thurston Introduction Prologue Part I: Biblical Inspiration Part II: The Canon of Sacred Scripture Part III: Texts and Versions of the Scriptures Part IV: The Interpretation of Sacred Scripture-Hermeneutics Index Bibliography Appendix: For Further Reading Scriptural Index General Index

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Book SynopsisRespected OT scholar addresses the four most controversial issues in the Old Testament--creation and evolution, violence, historicity, and sexuality--offering a valuable resource for evaluating difficult topics in depth and responding as Christians.

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Book SynopsisDistinguished Old Testament scholar Walter Kaiser believes that the Old Testament is sorely neglected today in teaching and preaching, but it is even more neglected when it comes to setting forth the hope that Christians have for the future. Firmly believing that the Old Testament offers important insights into biblical eschatology and the Christian life, he provides guidance for expositing fifteen key Old Testament eschatological passages to preachers, teachers, and Bible students. Each chapter focuses on a single biblical text. Kaiser introduces the topic, examines the issues, notes who has contributed to some of the solutions, and shows how this sets up the text to be exegeted and prepared for exposition.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Old Testament EschatologyPart 1: The Individual and General Eschatology in the Old Testament 1. Life and Death in the Old Testament--Psalm 49:1-202. The Resurrection of Mortals in the Old Testament--Job 19:21-27Part 2: The Nation of Israel in Old Testament Eschatology3. The Everlasting Promises Made to Israel--Jeremiah 32:27-444. The Future Resurrection and Reunification of the Nation--Ezekiel 37:1-285. The Future Return of Israel to the Land of Promise--Zechariah 10:2-12Part 3: The New Davidic King and the City of the Great King in the Old Testament6. The Branch of the Lord and the New Zion--Isaiah 2:2-5; 4:2-67. The Extent of Messiah's Rule and Reign--Psalm 72:1-17Part 4: The Day of the Lord and the Beginning of the Nations' Struggle with Israel8. The Arrival of the Day of the Lord--Joel 2:28-3:219. Gog and Magog--Ezekiel 38-39Part 5: The Events of the Last Seven Years and the Arrival of the Western Confederacy10. The Seventy Weeks of Daniel--Daniel 9:24-2711. The New Coming Third Temple in Jerusalem--Ezekiel 40:1-41:26; 43:1-1112. The Coming Antichrist--Daniel 11:36-4513. The Battle of Armageddon--Zechariah 14:1-21Part 6: The Coming Millennial Rule of Christ and the Arrival of the Eternal State14. The Millennial Rule and Reign of God--Isaiah 24:1-2315. The New Creation--Isaiah 65:17-25; 66:18-24

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Book SynopsisA leading evangelical expert in biblical law helps readers understand the Old Testament law, how it functioned in the Old Testament, and how it is (and is not) instructive for contemporary Christians.Table of ContentsContentsIntroductionPart 1: Getting into Old Testament Law1. Is Old Testament Law Relevant for New Covenant Christians?2. What Is Old Testament Law?3. The Purpose of Old Testament LawPart 2: Literature and Background of Old Testament Law4. Navigating Old Testament Laws and Related Literature5. How Does the Old Testament Law Genre Inculcate Values?6. Historical Contexts Illuminating Old Testament LawsPart 3: Applying Old Testament Laws7. Introduction to Applying Old Testament Laws to Christian Life8. Approaches to Applying Old Testament Law9. Progressive Moral Wisdom10. Case Study of Progressive Moral Wisdom: Lost and Profound in Exodus 23:4Part 4: Values in Old Testament Law11. Ten Commandments and Related Laws, Part One12. Ten Commandments and Related Laws, Part Two13. Social Justice in Old Testament Law14. Old Testament Law and Theodicy15. Questions about Keeping Old Testament Laws Today16. Values Reflected in Ritual LawsConclusion: The Value of Obedience to GodIndexes

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Book SynopsisThis concise, carefully organized commentary for pastors presents biblical scholarship to inform authoritative expository preaching and teaching. Each chapter includes the big idea, key themes, and sermon illustrations.

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Book SynopsisThis innovative book applies findings from the field of cognitive linguistics to the study of emotions in the Hebrew Bible. The book draws on the prototype approach to conceptual categories to help interpret emotion language in biblical passages. Contemporary scholarship has come to recognize that biblical emotion terms do not necessarily possess exact equivalents within our modern lexicons, even if some of these terms express (or appear to express) concepts similar to those conveyed by modern emotion language. In particular, the book focuses on sn' and ?rh, which are almost always equated in modern English with hate and anger. However, the ancient Hebrew roots evoke varied and robust emotion-scripts that are quite different than their English counterparts. We see how the prototype script model may help to expose the unique nuances of sn' and ?rh and put into profile elements of these emotions that may otherwise go unnoticed. Overall, the stTable of Contents1 Introduction2 Discerning Modern Hate and Anger Scripts3 Broad Biblical Sn’-Script4 Narrative Sn’-Scripts5 Poetic and Prophetic Sn’-Scripts6 Broad Biblical Ḥrh-Script7 Narrative Ḥrh-Scripts8 Divine Ḥrh-Scripts in Old Poetry and in the Prophets9 ConclusionBibliography

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThis commentary on Samuel focuses especially on the qualities of leadership displayed by the major characters of the book. In addition, it provides an analysis of the synchronic, literary structure of the book of Samuel as well as a new theory concerning the composition of the book.Table of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Suggested readings on Samuel; 3. Commentary part one: the Rule of the House of Eli-1 Samuel 1–7; 4. Commentary part two: the Rule of Saul ben Kish-1 Samuel 13–31; 5. Commentary part three: David's Rise to Power as King of Israel and Judah-2 Samuel 1:1–5:3; 6. Commentary part four: the Regnal Account of King David ben Jesse.

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Book SynopsisThis collection of essays explores the rhetoric and practices surrounding views on life after death and the end of the world, including the fate of the individual, apocalyptic speculation and hope for cosmological renewal, in a wide range of societies from Ancient Mesopotamia to the Byzantine era.The 42 essays by leading scholars in each field explore the rich spectrum of ways in which eschatological understanding can be expressed, and for which purposes it can be used. Readers will gain new insight into the historical contexts, details, functions and impact of eschatological ideas and imagery in ancient texts and material culture from the twenty-fifth century BCE to the ninth century CE. Traditionally, the study of eschatology (and related concepts) has been pursued mainly by scholars of Jewish and Christian scripture. By broadening the disciplinary scope but remaining within the clearly defined geographical milieu of the Mediterranean, this volume enables its readers tTrade Review"[N]ot only does Eschatology in Antiquity provide an up-to-date examination of specific eschatological texts/themes/materials from across antiquity, it also creates a unique opportunity for comparison and contrast across an extensive breadth of cultural and historical milieux.... The significance of this volume’s unique scope cannot be overstated and should be considered the culmination of several recent trends in eschatological scholarship... [T]he volume is highly accessible to both non-specialists and undergraduates... In sum, Eschatology in Antiquity will be a valuable resource for anyone broadly interested in eschatology in the ancient world. Not only does this volume provide accessible, up-to-date examinations of key texts, cultures, and materials but it combines this with a previously unrealised opportunity for comparison and contrast via its unprecedented breadth of scope (geographically, temporally, and culturally)." - Bryn Mawr Classical Review"The volume is an impressive collection of studies...even in cases where I disagree with the conclusions, the papers are stimulating food for thought." - The Classical ReviewTable of ContentsList of figures; List of tables; List of contributors; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; Introduction, Helen Van Noorden, Hilary Marlow and Karla Pollmann; Section 1: Ancient Near East and Hebrew Bible; 1 Beyond the Future: Mesopotamian Perceptions of the Very End, Dina Katz; 2 Individual and Universal Eschatology in Zoroastrianism, Leon Goldman; 3 Egyptian Oracles and the Afterlife, Alexandre Loktionov; 4 Eschatology in the Book of Isaiah: Multiple Perspectives on the Promised Times, Uta Schmidt; 5 "As I Looked": Visionary Experiences and Conceptions of Place in the Book of Ezekiel, Hilary Marlow; 6 Daniel and Daniel Apocalyptica, Lester L. Grabbe; Section 2: Greek World; 7 Beyond the Stream of the Ocean: Hades, the Aethiopians and the Homeric eschata, George A. Gazis; 8 ‘Orphic’ Eschatologies? Varying Visions of the Afterlife in Greek Thought, Radcliffe Edmonds; 9 Eschatological Visions in Pindar and Empedocles, Chiara R. Ciampa; 10 Plato’s Myths, the Soul and its Intra-cosmic Future, Alex Long; 11 Contemplating the End of Roman Power: Polybius' Histories in Context, Nicolas Wiater; Section 3: Jewish Texts of the Hellenistic and Roman Periods; 12 Protology and Eschatology in the Enochic Traditions, Gabriele Boccaccini; 13 Dreams and Visions of Eschatological Trees in The Book of the Watchers (1 Enoch 1-36), Frances Flannery; 14 Apocalyptic Eschatology in the Dead Sea Scrolls: The End as Counter-Cultural Discourse on Society and Creation, Albert Hogeterp; 15 Returning from the Diaspora of the Soul: Eschatology in Philo of Alexandria, Sami Yli-Karjanmaa; 16 End Times and Ending Times in 4 Ezra, Carla Sulzbach; 17 Eschatology in the Early Jewish Pseudepigrapha and the Early Christian Apocrypha, Lorenzo DiTommaso; Section 4: Etruscan and Roman Worlds; 18 Etruscan eschata, L. Bouke van der Meer; 19 Hope and Empire in Ciceronian Eschatology, Jed W. Atkins; 20 Lucretius ‘On the Nature of Things’: Eschatology in an Age of Anxiety, Alessandro Schiesaro; 21 Eschatological Temporalities in Vergil’s Elysium, Giovanna Laterza; 22 The End is the Beginning is the End: Apocalyptic Beginnings in Augustan Poetry, Elena Giusti; 23 Eschatology in Seneca: The Senses of an Ending, Gareth Williams; 24 Enduring Death and Remembering the Apocalypse: Identity, Timespace, and Lucanian Paradoxes, Katharine M. Earnshaw; 25 Popular Eschatological Visions in the Roman Empire, Jerry Toner; 26 Four Eschatological Emperors: Augustus, Nero, Vespasian and Hadrian, Christopher Star; Section 5: New Testament texts; 27 The End of the Temple or the End of the World? 1st Century Eschatology in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, Sarah Underwood Dixon; 28 The End—What and When? Eschatology in Luke-Acts, Steve Walton; 29 Eschatology in the Gospel of John and the Johannine Epistles, Jörg Frey; 30 Eschatology—Pauline and Catholic Epistles, Eve-Marie Becker; 31 The Book of Revelation: The Apocalypse of Jesus Christ, Christopher Rowland; Section 6: Late Antiquity and Byzantine World; 32 Eschatology in Origen from Alexandria, Anders-Christian Jacobsen; 33 Eschatology in Early Christian Poetry, Nikolaus Klassen; 34 The Eschatological Thought of Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, Sergey Trostyanskiy; 35 Knowing One’s Place: Eschatological Thought in Augustine, Karla Pollmann; 36 Eschatological Motifs and Patterns of Thought in Christian Hagiography, Peter Gemeinhardt; 37 Syriac Eschatology in Antiquity, Witold Witakowski; 38 Eschatology and Anti-Jewish Polemic: Examples from the Armenian Tradition, Zaroui Pogossian; 39 Early Muslim Apocalypses and their Origins, David Cook; 40 Christian Eschatology in Late Antique/Byzantine Egypt, David Frankfurter; 41 Symbols, Icons, Liturgy: Eschatology in Early Christian Art, Vladimir Cvetkovic; 42 Eschatology in the Apocalyptic Revival in Judaism (6th-9th centuries CE) in its Historical Context, Philip Alexander; Index of names and subjects

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Book SynopsisThis study guide introduces students to the Book of Proverbs from the Old Testament. Zoltán Schwáb examines the book's structure and characteristics; covers the latest Biblical scholarship, including historical and interpretive issues; and considers a range of scholarly approaches from historical-critical through feminist to theological. The guide encourages existential engagement with Proverbs, and uses diverse tools in order to achieve this. A brief chapter by chapter commentary on Proverbs highlights the major themes of each of its sections. The playful ambiguity and poetry of the proverbs is also discussed. A special emphasis is placed on how different historical, literary, or performance contexts can influence a proverb's meaning. Finally, the guide presents an overview of the rich heritage of African interpretation of proverbs. With suggestions of further reading at the end of each chapter, this guide is an essential accompaniment to the study of the Book of Proverbs.Trade ReviewZoltán Schwáb unpacks the book of Proverbs with clarity, wit, and insight. He not only eruditely examines the book’s historical and literary contexts, but engagingly spotlights modern contexts of feminist, African, and theological interpreters. Keenly aware of complex scholarly debates yet accessible to non-specialists, this introductory textbook is an indispensable classroom resource, and I will strongly recommend it to my colleagues and students. * Suzanna Millar, University of Edinburgh, UK *In this lively and informative guide to Proverbs, Schwab is a deft guide through basic issues to do with the book and he points the reader to further scholarship at every stage. He gives a brief outline of the content of each of the book’s chapters and a taste of their character as they form longer sub-units and collections.Throughout he gives us glimpses into his own motivation for studying and teaching Proverbs and his knowledge and enthusiasm comes across on every page of this succinct and readable introductory textbook. * Katharine Dell, Professor of Old Testament Literature and Theology, Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge, UK *Anyone interested in wisdom literature will treasure this book, as it provides a comprehensive, in-depth, and readable guide to a biblical book that has been under debate for decades. Schwáb masterfully presents his readers with the different scholarly positions on the Book of Proverbs combined with his own distinct perspective. All readers, whether specialists or beginners in the study of biblical wisdom literature, will find much to stimulate their thinking in this book. * Bernd U. Schipper, Humboldt-University of Berlin, Germany *Table of ContentsSeries Preface SOTS Abbreviations Abbreviations Introduction Part One: The Historical Context Part Two: The Literary Context Part Three: The Biblical Context Part Four: The Context of the Reader Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisExodus is the story of the first redemption of God’s people for Himself. Starting with a people enslaved and oppressed, seemingly forgotten by their God, it culminates with the Tabernacle. God had chosen His people, setting them apart from the other nations: His kingdom of priests. Exodus forms the sub–structure of the Old Testament – and points at every stage to the coming Messiah of the New Testament.Trade ReviewAllan Harman draws on a lifetime of teaching and preaching the Old Testament in this commentary. With careful attention to the Hebrew text of Exodus, he brings out nuances that otherwise might be missed, and shows the connections with other parts of Scripture to underscore the foundational character of this book for the faith of the people of God. -- John A. Davies (Principal Emeritus, Christ College, Sydney)

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Book SynopsisThe book of Job speaks to some of the most universal issues of our human experience. Feelings of grief, misery, sorrow and distress are played out against the backdrop of a man resolute in his claim of innocence of the accusations, brought by three of his alleged friends, of being an unrepentant sinner. But Job’s sufferings serve to demonstrate more truth than Job and his friends grasped. Walter Kaiser guides us through this often–neglected book to find that pure worship in suffering is not only possible, but that such times of suffering can deepen our insight into the character of God.Trade Review… a superb exposition, which offers many insights from the Hebrew text and which helpfully clarifies the differences in the expostulations of Job’s four critics. -- Edwin M. Yamauchi (Professor of History Emeritus, Miami University, Ohio)… Walt Kaiser makes the ancient story of suffering come alive for our times. He lucidly demonstrates that in the story it is not Job who is on trial, but ‘God who is on trial.’ And God in his grace comes out of the trial in majestic victory. Highly recommended for pastors and laity. -- Dennis P. Hollinger (President and Colman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor of Christian Ethics, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, Massachusetts)… digs deep into the message of Job, shifting our focus from the pain and tragedies of life to the pure worship and true love of God. Walt Kaiser … writes with a pastor’s heart, a scholar’s mind and an unquestionable love for the Bible. -- Barry H. Corey (President, Biola University, La Mirada, California and Author)… eminent Old Testament scholar Walter Kaiser draws critical spiritual lessons for us all from the debate between Job and his friends, about God’s character, His grace and offer of redemption from our sin. [He] has a gift for getting us to think deeply about the most important issues of life. -- Hugh Ross (Astronomer, Pastor, President of Reasons to Believe and Author of several books on creation)

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Book SynopsisThe book of Deuteronomy finds the Israelites on the cusp of entering the land that had been promised to them since the days of Abraham. This second giving of the law is to be the bedrock of the society they build – to be people identified as the people of Yahweh. Douglas F. Kelly helpfully exposits this book considering not only its importance to the original hearers, but also the impact it has for the church today. The Mentor Expository Series holds to an inerrant view of Scripture. The series is thoroughly researched with helpful practical application. This is a resource for pastors and Bible teachers who want to draw on Christ–centered expository teaching and for the lay reader who wants to delve more deeply into the riches of the Word of God.Trade ReviewDr. Kelly’s exceptional preaching skills and insightful application make this a page turner. The importance of Deuteronomy, both in Moses’ time and later in the reforms of King Josiah make it uniquely important for our time. Dr. Kelly will inspire a host of preachers to take up Deuteronomy and preach it. -- Derek W. H. Thomas (Senior Minister of Preaching and Teaching, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina)Dr. Kelly drills down into the word of God to tap into the well of biblical truth. His exposition flows with the living water of the gospel that equips for every good work—he points the church to Christ so we can seek the grace of God for salvation and godly living. -- J. V. Fesko (Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi)… an excellent, lucid exposition of Deuteronomy. He presents the message of the book in a clear and accessible way. Free from jargon and technicalities, while yet informed by scholarly discussion, this should be of great value for pastors and lay readers alike. -- Robert Letham (Wales Evangelical School of Theology, Bridgend, Wales)Here, faithfully proclaimed, is the book of the Bible to which Christ turned three times in a row when tempted by the devil, applied to our homes and hearts. Highly recommended! -- Joel R. Beeke (Chancellor, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan)

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Book SynopsisBeloved author Dale Ralph Davis looks at one of the most fascinating characters in the Bible, and the God who was faithful to him. The character of Jacob that we meet in chapters 25–35 of Genesis is a fascinating one. A kaleidoscopic blend of deviousness and doggedness, of trickery and tenacity, of folly and faith. As readers we can’t help being drawn into his story. With his trademark wit and perceptive comments Dale Ralph Davis guides us through the story of this rogue and traces the evidence of grace, providence, blessing throughout his life. Taking us chapter by chapter through this fundamental section of scripture, Davis highlights not only the character of Jacob, but the character of the God who cared for him and faithfully kept his promises to him.Trade Review… a taste of Dr. D’s clever wit, rich illustrations, expositional precision as well as his gift for explaining a text in ways that engages both biblical scholar and everyday man in the streets. Every pastor would benefit from having Dr. Davis’ collection in his library. -- Pat Davey (Assistant Pastor, Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church, Fairhope, Alabama)This is the kind of book to … bring all of God’s people to lift up their hearts to a faithful, durable God who has rascals in His family, and knows how to save them despite themselves. Davis will leave readers and disciples with more hope than they’ve had in ages. -- Michael W. Philliber (Senior Pastor, Heritage Presbyterian Church (PCA), Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)God’s Rascal is vintage Davis. Whether you are a first–timer to Ralph’s expositions or a groupie like me, you will greatly benefit from this book on Genesis 25–35. Jacob is indeed ‘God’s Rascal,’ but he is a rascal saved by grace. -- Chris O’Brien (Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Picayune, Mississippi)

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