In this introduction to the first five books of the Old Testament, Victor Hamilton moves chapter by chapter--rather than verse by verse--through the Pentateuch, examining the content, structure, and theology. Each chapter deals with a major thematic unit of the Pentateuch, and Hamilton provides useful commentary on overarching themes and connections between Old Testament texts. This second edition has been substantially revised and updated. The first edition sold over sixty thousand copies.

The Bible is simply a love letter compiled into sixty-six books and written over a period ofsixteen hundred years by more than forty authors living on three continents. Although theauthors came from different backgrounds, there is one message, one theme, one thread that runs throughout the entire Bible from the first book, Genesis, to the last book, Revelation. That message is God's redeeming love for mankind.By the end of Second Kings, both the northern and southern kingdoms had beenconquered.Israel, the northern kingdom, was conquered and scattered by Assyria. Almost 150years later, the Babylonians destroyed Judah, the southern kingdom, and those whosurvived were exiled to Babylonia. The temple lay in ruins, the land was desolate, andit appeared that all hope was lost for the exiled remnant. As they struggled to surviveas aliens in a strange culture and still maintain their Jewish identity, God was workingbehind the scenes in unimaginable ways. He had promised that Judah would be exiledfor seventy years. But He had also promised to bring His people back to the land. Inthe books you are about to study, you will see that God keeps His promises.During the seventy years Judah was in exile, the political world changed dramatically.The Persians defeated Babylonia and became the largest empire in the Near East. Itwas Persia that brought about an end to the Exile and allowed the Jews to return home,restore their temple, and build a wall around their beloved Jerusalem.The Post-Exilic Books were written after the Exile, to and about this group of God'schosen people. First and Second Chronicles were written to the people to encourage them in the land after they returned to Jerusalem, reminding them of their identity and heritage. Ezra and Nehemiah continue the history of the Jews from where it left off in Second Kings. Esther is a beautiful story of the providential hand of God moving to protect His people. Chronologically, the Old Testament Historical Books end with Nehemiah. All the Old Testament books following Nehemiah merely fit into the time period of these historical books.

The Powerful Concluding Novel to The Restoration Chronicles When news that the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire, Nehemiah, Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Persia, seeks God's guidance. After fasting and prayer, he's given leave to travel to Jerusalem and rebuild the city wall, not anticipating all the dangers that await him on his arrival. The leaders of the surrounding nations become his fierce enemies, plotting to assassinate him and halt the work. A drought, meanwhile, has left the country impoverished, many families resorting to selling their children as bondservants just to keep from starving. Capturing the rebuilding of the wall through the eyes of a number of characters, On This Foundation is a powerful exploration of faith in the midst of oppression, and hope that, in spite of appearances, the gracious hand of God is upon those who believe.

In Their Darkest Hour, Where Would Hope Be Found? In one life-changing moment, the lives of the exiles in Babylon are thrown into despair when a decree from the king's palace calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire in less than one year. Ezra, a quiet but brilliant scholar, soon finds himself called upon to become the leader of his people. Forced to rally an army when all his training has been in the Torah, he struggles to bring hope in a time of utter despair, when dreams of the future--of family and love--seem impossible. In Keepers of the Covenant, acclaimed novelist Lynn Austin weaves together the struggles and stories of both Jews and Gentiles, creating a tapestry of faith and doubt, love and loss. Here, the Old Testament comes to life, demonstrating the everlasting hope displayed in God's unwavering love for His people. Praise of Lynn Austin's Restoration Chronicles "...a powerful new historical series that brings the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah to life." --Library Journal "Austin shines a bright light on ancient Jewish life and lands. Biblical fiction fans will cheer her latest offering, which bolsters this challenging genre." --Publishers Weekly

Bestselling Author Lynn Austin Launches New Biblical Saga After years of watching his children and grandchildren wander from their faith, Iddo's prayers are answered: King Cyrus is allowing God's chosen people to return to Jerusalem. Jubilant, he joyfully prepares for their departure, only to learn that his family, grown comfortable in the pagan culture of Babylon, wants to remain. Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the comfort and success his father enjoys in Babylon. But he soon begins to hear the voice of God, encouraging him to return to the land given to his forefathers. Bringing to life the biblical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, Return to Me tells the compelling story of Iddo and Zechariah, the women who love them, and the faithful followers who struggle to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home.

The Chronicles are more than a history of ancient Israel under the ascent and rule of the Davidic dynasty. They are a story whose grand theme is hope. Great battles are fought, heroes and tyrants vie for power, Israel splits into rival kingdoms, and the soul of God's holy nation oscillates between faithlessness and revival. Yet above this tossing sea of human events, God's covenant promises reign untroubled and supreme. First and Second Chronicles are a narrative steeped in the best and worst of the human heart--but they are also a revelation of Yahweh at work, forwarding his purposes in the midst of fallible people. God has a plan to which he is committed. Today, as then, God redirects our vision from our circumstances in this turbulent world to the surety of his kingdom, and to himself as our source of confidence and peace. Exploring the links between the Bible and our own times, Andrew E. Hill shares perspectives on 1 and 2 Chronicles that reveal ageless truths for our twenty-first-century lives. Most Bible commentaries take us on a one-way trip from our world to the world of the Bible. But they leave us there, assuming that we can somehow make the return journey on our own. They focus on the original meaning of the passage but don't discuss its contemporary application. The information they offer is valuable--but the job is only half done The NIV Application Commentary Series helps bring both halves of the interpretive task together. This unique, award-winning series shows readers how to bring an ancient message into our postmodern context. It explains not only what the Bible meant but also how it speaks powerfully today.

With contributions from popular Bible teachers such as Tim Keller, John Piper, and Nancy Guthrie, this collection of nine biblical expositions looks to the book of Nehemiah for truth about God's redemptive plan for his people and for the world.