In brief sections, this book gives an overview of the Old Testament of the Bible—from the primeval history to the period after the Babylonian captivity. When busy people want to know more about the Bible and the Christian faith, the Zondervan Quick-Reference Library offers an instant information alternative in a manageable length. Covering the basics of the faith and Bible knowledge in an easy-to-use format, this series helps new Christians and seasoned believers alike find answers to their questions about Christianity and the Bible. The information in Old Testament History is presented in units of one or two pages, so that each section can be read in a few minutes, covering: The creation account. The patriarchal history. The Exodus and Israel in the desert. The Judges and the united monarchy. The divided kingdoms. The Babylonian exile. The Intertestamental period. The Zondervan Quick-Reference Library makes important knowledge affordable, accessible, and easy to understand for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to read or study.

Recent years have seen a renewed interest in the study of background materials relating to Scripture. More and more Christians are seeking out resources that will help them understand the culture of the times when the Bible was written. Indeed, to fully understand the Old Testament, one must first understand the social, historical, and political forces that affected its writers. Old Testament Times explores and explains the characters and events of the Old Testament in historical perspective. Being released for the first time in a full-color edition, this guide includes - thirty-two maps - seventy photos - eight charts - five illustrations Pastors, small groups, and anyone wishing for a better understanding of biblical times will find an excellent tool in this comprehensive handbook written by one of America's foremost biblical scholars.

A literary history of our most influential book of all time, by an Oxford scholar and Anglican priest In our culture, the Bible is monolithic: It is a collection of books that has been unchanged and unchallenged since the earliest days of the Christian church. The idea of the Bible as "Holy Scripture," a non-negotiable authority straight from God, has prevailed in Western society for some time. And while it provides a firm foundation for centuries of Christian teaching, it denies the depth, variety, and richness of this fascinating text. In A History of the Bible, John Barton argues that the Bible is not a prescription to a complete, fixed religious system, but rather a product of a long and intriguing process, which has inspired Judaism and Christianity, but still does not describe the whole of either religion. Barton shows how the Bible is indeed an important source of religious insight for Jews and Christians alike, yet argues that it must be read in its historical context--from its beginnings in myth and folklore to its many interpretations throughout the centuries. It is a book full of narratives, laws, proverbs, prophecies, poems, and letters, each with their own character and origin stories. Barton explains how and by whom these disparate pieces were written, how they were canonized (and which ones weren't), and how they were assembled, disseminated, and interpreted around the world--and, importantly, to what effect. Ultimately, A History of the Bible argues that a thorough understanding of the history and context of its writing encourages religious communities to move away from the Bible's literal wording--which is impossible to determine--and focus instead on the broader meanings of scripture.

Mr. Fields has been a professor of Old Testament History and Archaeology at Ozark Christian College for 35 years. Adopted by Bible Colleges across America, this outstanding overview of the Old Testament will help you understand and apply its rich teachings to your life. The format is designed to help teachers present God's historical plan to their students. It is also a great resource for personal study. This edition has been rewritten, expanded, and updated. Now using the New International Version for the Bible text, the "New" Old Testament History is easily readable and understandable.

Highlights of the Old Testament briefly looks at each book of the Old Testament-- its overall message, how it relates to the other books of the Bible, and what it reveals about God and His great plan. Part 1: History covers the five books of law (the Pentateuch)-- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, and the twelve books of history--Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Throughout these books God's holiness, righteousness, justice, mercy, and love are revealed. If your heart and mind are open, you will come to better know Him who loved us and sent His Son to save us.

Alfred Edersheim (1825 – 1889) was a Jewish convert to Christianity, a Presbyterian and Anglican minister, and a Biblical scholar. He is remembered for his works The Temple: its Ministry and Services as they were in the Time of Jesus Christ, Sketches of Jewish Social Life in the days of Christ, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, and his history of the Old Testament.