A Survey of the Old Testament

Fourth Edition

by Andrew E. Hill, John H. Walton

On Sale: 2024-02-13

Book Summary

An indispensable guide for exploring the literary, historical, and theological issues behind the Old Testament.

About the Book

An indispensable guide for exploring the literary, historical, and theological issues behind the Old Testament.

The purpose of studying the Old Testament is to understand God and his redemptive work more fully. However, this goal is complicated by the fact that it was transmitted through a very different language and culture from our own. A Survey of the Old Testament addresses background information, purpose, message, structure, and major themes of the Old Testament to help readers understand its message and relevance.

Chapters introducing each major section of the Old Testament are included, as are chapters dealing with issues of interpretation, hermeneutics, theology, geography, archaeology, history, formation of the Old Testament canon, and the Old Testament's relationship to the New Testament. The fourth edition features a renewed focus on purpose, theology, and message while also providing a more succinct textbook less intimidating to students.

Features included for each book of the Old Testament:

  • Writing of the Book
  • Background
  • Outline of the Book
  • Purpose and Message
  • Structure and Organization
  • Major Themes
  • Questions for Further Study and Discussion
  • Further Reading

Complete with updated full-color maps, photos, timelines, and charts, the latest edition of this widely acclaimed textbook is a useful and readable tool for students and other readers who wish to better understand the Old Testament and God's redemptive work.

Reviews

'A Survey of the Old Testament by Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton is a meticulously crafted survey written with remarkable clarity, containing insightful commentary, vibrant images of archaeological discoveries and historical contexts, invaluable tables, stimulating questions, and scholarly rigor examining the rich tapestry of the literary, historical, and theological aspects of the Old Testament. It is an exceptional introduction and essential companion for students, scholars, and individuals eager to embark on a meaningful journey through the Old Testament that breathes life into the ancient world and sheds light on its enduring cultural and theological significance.'

'A wonderful introduction, both textual and visual, to the Old Testament as Holy Scripture that is rooted in the realities of ancient time and space. Highly recommended!'

'Combining attention to historical backgrounds, literary features, and theological themes with a nuanced treatment of critical issues and hundreds of images that bring the world of the Old Testament to life, Survey of the Old Testament has been my go-to textbook for introductory classes. The fourth edition points readers to a wealth of recent resources for further learning and offers updated discussions of key issues, which will make it a preferred text for the next generation of students.'

'Hill and Walton are tour guides on an adventure through the Old Testament with years of experience living with the text. They not only help students navigate the facts and figures, themes, and theology of the Old Testament but also invite students to explore and appreciate the riches of ancient Israel's history and culture. This is not merely a textbook. It is a veritable encyclopedia of Old Testament studies!'

'Hill and Walton ask good questions for the beginning student as they turn its pages and seek to understand it as Christian Scripture. The strength of the volume lies in its exploration of key themes, presented as they arise in each biblical book, and also as they intersect with the larger canonical storyline. This provides a unified approach to the Christian canon and a deeper awareness of how the Old Testament fits into the Christian Bible. The work is also supported by a treasury of visuals, such as maps and photographs of landscapes and artifacts, which help bring the biblical world to life.'

'Hill and Walton's introduction to the Old Testament addresses key questions and content in meaningful ways. Vivid pictures, archaeological artifacts, and colorful maps make this journey an enjoyable one, whether you are a student or an interested reader!'

'Hill and Walton's standard evangelical introduction to the Old Testament has only gotten better with its fourth edition. Expect the same authoritative content, updated to reflect the latest scholarship, but in a tighter and cleaner layout that is visually appealing and creates a more compact textbook for a new generation of readers.'

'Hill and Walton's Survey of the Old Testament has been a trusted textbook for many years, including in my own training as an Old Testament specialist. This new version retains the best features of its predecessors while continuing to provide the latest content in a user-friendly way. Highly recommended!'

'How rare to find a new edition that's shorter and more focused. Hill and Walton lightly update their standard college textbook and tighten the spotlight on the key message of each Old Testament book. An attractive starting point for budding explorers.'

'I'm always pointing my students to Walton and Hill's A Survey of the Old Testament. But I also find myself going back to this book again and again because it keeps yielding fresh insight on key topics in every Old Testament book. If you want to engage seriously and faithfully with God's Word, this comprehensive text will serve you and your students brilliantly.'

'It is a joy to commend this updated edition of Hill and Walton's classic textbook to a new generation of Old Testament students. Readers will gain insights about the overall purpose and message of each Old Testament book, as well as the most significant issues in the secondary literature--such as historicity, archaeology, and other major interpretive trends. All the while, conservative and critical positions are summarized from an evangelical perspective. Students, pastors, and scholars would do well to keep this book on their short stack of key resources on the Old Testament.'

'John Walton and Andrew Hill are two of the very best Old Testament scholars of my generation. I am so thankful they have updated their bestselling and influential textbook, A Survey of the Old Testament, for the next generation of students. I enthusiastically recommend it.'

'Students and instructors alike will enthusiastically welcome the latest edition of this trusted textbook. Updated chapters helpfully synthesize the contents of the biblical books in the form of major themes, enabling students to readily grasp what each book is about and to connect its message with the Christian faith. What's more, like its previous editions, the book boasts an attractive and engaging layout with an abundance of color graphics. Students will profit immensely from this accessible and insightful introduction to the Hebrew Bible, resulting in a greater enjoyment of and appreciation for the Old Testament as Christian Scripture.'

'This is a well-written and finely illustrated survey of the Old Testament. It is readable for college students, and both students and professors can rely on it for evenhanded treatment of difficult topics in Old Testament studies. This new updated edition is welcome.'

'This new edition of A Survey of the Old Testament will continue the usefulness of this work that has been so widely used previously. With its evenhanded yet basically traditional approach, it can be recommended to all who look for a trustworthy handbook to read alongside the Bible itself.'

'With deep awareness of the historical context and literary form, Hill and Walton provide guidance on both the content of the Old Testament and how to read it well. With this fourth edition, they have provided a new generation of readers with invaluable assistance in understanding and applying its riches.'

'With good reason, A Survey of the Old Testament has been a leading textbook on the Hebrew Scriptures in colleges and seminaries around the world. Summary treatments, enhanced by stunning pictures, color maps, and helpful charts, enable students to learn the biblical material with an appreciation for its literary quality, theological message, and cultural setting. Now in its fourth edition, this remains a classroom standard that will surely benefit a new generation of learners.'

Product Details

  • Imprint: Zondervan Academic
  • On Sale: 2024-02-13
  • Pages: 576
  • Publisher: Zondervan Academic
  • Publication Date: 2024-02-13
  • Trim Size: Trim size data not found for this book.
  • Weight: Weight data not found for this book.
  • Category 1 : RELIGION / Biblical Commentary / Old Testament
  • Category 2 : RELIGION / Biblical Criticism & Interpretation / Old Testament
  • Category 3 : RELIGION / Biblical Reference / General
  • Category 4 : RELIGION / Biblical Studies / Old Testament