This is a classic work of biblical criticism, providing a comprehensive introduction to the Old Testament. The author discusses the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament texts, and analyzes their literary and theological features. He also examines the formation and transmission of the Old Testament canon, and the history of biblical interpretation. The book is of interest to biblical scholars, theologians, and anyone interested in the history of religion. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

A Respected Scholar Introduces Students to the Discipline of Old Testament Studies Richard Hess, a trusted scholar of the Old Testament and the ancient Near East, offers a substantial introduction to the Old Testament that is accessibly written and informed by the latest biblical scholarship. Hess summarizes the contents of the Old Testament, introduces the academic study of the discipline, and helps readers understand the complex world of critical and interpretive issues, addressing major concerns in the critical interpretation of each Old Testament book and key texts. This volume provides a fulsome treatment for students preparing for ministry and assumes no prior knowledge of the Old Testament. Readers will learn how each book of the Old Testament was understood by its first readers, how it advances the larger message of the whole Bible, and what its message contributes to Christian belief and the Christian community. Twenty maps, ninety photos, sidebars, and recommendations for further study add to the book's usefulness for students. Resources for professors are available through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.

Excerpt from A General Historico-Critical Introduction to the Old Testament The work of which a translation is now presented to the British Public was the mature production of a theologian distinguished by that vast and varied learning which may be regarded as peculiarly characteristic of the modern German divines, and at the same time. Imbued with that reverence for the Bible as the Word of God, and that lively apprehension of its spiritual truths, which unhappily are too often found wanting in that quarter. I have undertaken, he says in his preface, to write this work from that stand-point which, through God's grace, has been showed to me - from the inward and firm conviction that the Object Of investigation is God's holy word, given to mankind sunk in sin and misery, for the purpose of guiding them in the way of salvation and peace. Vvhosoever has, through the mercy of the Lord, been led so as to have learned to understand at his hand the word of life, and through this has been not only enlightened, but sanctified and blessed, cannot but feel constrained to utter, according to the calling, and in the measure vouchsafed to him by the Lord, a testimony for the grace which has been displayed even unto him. As it is written, I believe therefore I speak, ' so the theologian, the servant of the Church of Jesus Christ, knows that it is impossible to construct a theological science which is not founded on the truth - more particularly on the truth as revealed in the Word and his desire and most zealous endeavour, in keeping with this, is to erect on this basis a living edifice of science, the corner-stone of which shall be that besides which no other can be laid by any man. Such an one knows also that he thus labours not in the service of man, and on a vain and profitless work, but in the service of the Head of the Church, who has placed him as a steward of the mysteries of God, that he may be found faithful in the day of the appearing of Jesus Christ, viii translator's preface. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.