Rich rewards await readers who dig deep into the historical books of the Old Testament. Incredible events, amazing love stories, larger-than-life personalities and deep theological implications and themes are just part of the t treasure that awaits readers of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. These books tell the story of the nation of Israel and the God who loves her, punishes her, and always brings this recalcitrant people back to Himself. It is really the story of all of us. David M. Howard Jr. provides an in-depth introduction to the Old Testament historical books, focusing first on the overarching themes of historical narrative in general. He then turns his attention to each book. From the conquest of Canaan to the fall of Jerusalem, from war to peace and back to war, from kings and queens to farmers and housewives--David Howard covers it all in this invaluable introduction to the Old Testament historical books.

Provides a discussion of introductory matters such as authorship, date, historical background, purpose, structure, and outline of the historical books of the Old Testament.

This companion textbook to Carson, Moo, and Morris's acclaimed "Introduction to the New Testament" puts intellectual muscle into Old Testament study.

Exploring Christian Scripture provides a robust introductory overview of the narrative of Scripture and guides to how to locate the particulars of each biblical book within this narrative. It offers a collection of resources to familiarize lay and student audiences with the structure, context, and content of each book of the Bible and instructs on how to read it, with an eye toward personal spiritual growth and practical application.

The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.

Editors Bill T. Arnold and Hugh G. M. Williamson present more than 160 in-depth articles on the essential historical, literary, theological, interpretive and background topics for studying the historical books of the Old Testament (Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah).

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.

One in a series of twenty Old Testament verse-by-verse commentary books edited by Max Anders. Includes discussion starters, teaching plan, and more. Great for lay teachers and pastors alike.

Continuously in print for over 30 years, and available in many different languages, John Drane's Introducing the Old Testament has long been recognized as an authoritative and accessible survey of the subject. This new edition has been fully revised and updated with fresh material on a range of topics, especially the political and cultural context that influenced the compilation of its books and the development of the faith of ancient Israel and Judah. Specific issues that will be of particular interest to students are highlighted in special boxed feature sections, along with an extensive glossary of technical terms and key maps and diagrams. This book is the ideal starting point for readers who wish to explore the Old Testament and its world in the light of recent scholarship, and its relevance to life in the twenty-first century.

The Big Idea of the Old Testament provides a basic overview of each Old Testament book, laying down a foundation of why the work as a whole is so important. While the information is not intended to be seminary level, it is intended to inspire readers to dig deeper into the word of God. As you read, you’ll consider questions such as: • Do we really need to know all the answers to our deepest questions? • What reasons do we have to celebrate our existence? • What part do we play in God’s cosmic plan? • What is the purpose of life on our planet? • Is science at odds with the idea of God? The Bible is the story of God making the impossible, possible. It is the story of God repairing and restoring the broken, shattered, ugly, terrorized, damaged, unrepairable, discarded, self-induced guilt of humanity. Join the author as he opens a door that will lead you to a lifetime of exploration into the wonders of our Lord.