Introduction to the Old Testament, An

Rating:
Summary: A Good -- But Very Biased -- Starting Point
Review: As one reviewer has noted, this one might be worth the price just for the bibliographic references in each section. All things considered, however, one would be remiss to stop at this book only, or fail to complement one's studies with other volumes.

The structure of this work follows a book-by-book introduction format: after an introduction that scratches the surface of historiograpy, archaeology, criticism, and other pertinent issues surrounding Hebrew Bible / Old Testament studies, one chapter is devoted to each book in the Protestant canon. Each chapter surveys the history of scholarship behind the book, offers some structural and literary guidance, touches on its possible theological messsage(s) and significance, and moves hastily on to a somewhat forced, unwelcome, very brief, and perhaps obligatory section entitled "Approaching the New Testament." Sufficient attention is seldom given to the theological message of any given book, much less the theological message of the many possible divisions within which each book falls (Torah, Neviim, Ketuvim, Deuteronomistic History, etc.)

One would be wise to consult specialist volumes, commentaries, and monographs in addition to this work. It serves well as a comprehensive and well-researched introduction, but the operative term is "introduction." Also, one would be well advised to bear in mind that the book is written from a very specifically evangelical & Protestant standpoint, and this bias unfortunately surfaces repeatedly throughout the pages of the work. As such, little to no attention whatsoever is given to Jewish scholarship, Catholic scholarship, or the "Apocryphal Books." Read away for introductory thoughts and bibliographic references, but don't stop here.

Rating:
Summary: A Good -- But Very Biased -- Starting Point
Review: As one reviewer has noted, this one might be worth the price just for the bibliographic references in each section. All things considered, however, one would be remiss to stop at this book only, or fail to complement one's studies with other volumes.

The structure of this work follows a book-by-book introduction format: after an introduction that scratches the surface of historiograpy, archaeology, criticism, and other pertinent issues surrounding Hebrew Bible / Old Testament studies, one chapter is devoted to each book in the Protestant canon. Each chapter surveys the history of scholarship behind the book, offers some structural and literary guidance, touches on its possible theological messsage(s) and significance, and moves hastily on to a somewhat forced, unwelcome, very brief, and perhaps obligatory section entitled "Approaching the New Testament." Sufficient attention is seldom given to the theological message of any given book, much less the theological message of the many possible divisions within which each book falls (Torah, Neviim, Ketuvim, Deuteronomistic History, etc.)

One would be wise to consult specialist volumes, commentaries, and monographs in addition to this work. It serves well as a comprehensive and well-researched introduction, but the operative term is "introduction." Also, one would be well advised to bear in mind that the book is written from a very specifically evangelical & Protestant standpoint, and this bias unfortunately surfaces repeatedly throughout the pages of the work. As such, little to no attention whatsoever is given to Jewish scholarship, Catholic scholarship, or the "Apocryphal Books." Read away for introductory thoughts and bibliographic references, but don't stop here.

Rating:
Summary: More advanced than Hendriksen
Review: Good discussions of date, authorship, text, audience and message of the books of the Old Testament. More in depth than Hendriksen's "Survey of the Bible."

It really does go beyond simple cultural information. This title was a required text for me in Seminary...it was one of the best investments I've ever made. The information in the book will overflow into your personal studies.

Extremely helpful insights into why the human authors of Scripture phrased certain things in the way they did.

This is a great tool!

Rating:
Summary: Helpful to scholars and beginners
Review: I find this Old Testament Introduction easy to read, but also reasonably comprehensive. It is not as complete as R. K. Harrisons' 1970 work, but much more inviting. It is both a handy reference work, and a book to read from cover to cover.

The New Testament applications at the end of each article are thought-provoking and essential for the Christian, for whom the New Testament opens and explains the Old.

Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Supplement with The Complete Guide to the Book of Proverbs.
Review: I have benefitted greatly from this book. The bibliographies alone are worth the price of the book.

Rating:
Summary: A new spin on intro's
Review: I was much pleased when I bought this intro to the Old Testament. In short, Dillard and Longman have done the church and teh believing community a great service by providing a scholarly and evangelical introduction that is not afraid to tackle the hard questions of the Bible.

They divide each section of the introduction into Historical/literary/Theological message/Approaching the New Testament. As to one reviewer commenting that this is very biased, I actually think that this was quite objective. Longman analyzes the prevailing critics presuppositions and then provides a logical counterpart. And also, they are (while remaining robustly evangelical) more balanced in their conclusion than other evangelical scholars (cf. Gleason Archer for a passionate, well written, if a little biased example).

In my eyes, this books greatezt strengths were its incorporating the theological message and approaching the New Testament into each book. The Bible then comes alive. Its weakness is similar to many other scholarly works, it could get overly teachnical at times. Overall, a well organized intro.

Rating:
Summary: A new spin on intro's
Review: I was much pleased when I bought this intro to the Old Testament. In short, Dillard and Longman have done the church and teh believing community a great service by providing a scholarly and evangelical introduction that is not afraid to tackle the hard questions of the Bible.

They divide each section of the introduction into Historical/literary/Theological message/Approaching the New Testament. As to one reviewer commenting that this is very biased, I actually think that this was quite objective. Longman analyzes the prevailing critics presuppositions and then provides a logical counterpart. And also, they are (while remaining robustly evangelical) more balanced in their conclusion than other evangelical scholars (cf. Gleason Archer for a passionate, well written, if a little biased example).

In my eyes, this books greatezt strengths were its incorporating the theological message and approaching the New Testament into each book. The Bible then comes alive. Its weakness is similar to many other scholarly works, it could get overly teachnical at times. Overall, a well organized intro.

Rating:
Summary: Old Testament Introduction
Review: je besoin de cette livre en francais. Old Testament Introduction.
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Rating:
Summary: Insightful & incisive
Review: This Old Testament Introduction maintains the delicate balance between scholarly pertinence and practical usefulness. Dillard & Longman capably present the various issues necessary to address in OT Introduction--authorship & dating, textual issues, etc.--while always offering thorough theological understanding & New Testament/Christological significance. This volume is difficult to put down; this is not simply a reference book but also a book that can be read from cover to cover. This is the best way to understand Dillard's & Longman's overall perspective of the OT. An insightful & incisive work.