AN INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT

Here’s a summary of “An Introduction to the Old Testament” by Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman III:

Summary:

This comprehensive guide provides scholarly yet accessible insights into each book of the Old Testament, offering readers the tools needed for deeper theological and literary understanding. The book is structured to help students, pastors, and scholars grasp the historical background, literary structure, and theological message of each Old Testament book.

Key Features:

1. Evangelical Perspective: The authors approach the Old Testament from a conservative, Protestant standpoint, affirming the authority and divine inspiration of Scripture while engaging critically with historical and literary issues.

2. Three-Pronged Approach:
• Historical Background: Examines archaeological, cultural, and historical data relevant to each book.
• Literary Analysis: Evaluates the genres, styles, and compositional techniques used in the texts, including narrative structures and poetry.
• Theological Message: Focuses on the overarching religious and moral themes, emphasizing God’s covenantal relationship with Israel.

3. Balanced Critical Engagement: While grounded in faith, the book does not shy away from interacting with critical scholarship, offering respectful critiques of methods like source, form, and redaction criticism.

4. Structure: The book proceeds book-by-book through the Old Testament, beginning with Genesis and ending with Malachi. Each chapter includes bibliographies for further reading and engages with current academic debates.

5. Use in Education: Designed for use in seminary and academic settings, but written clearly enough for motivated lay readers.

This introduction is valuable for anyone looking to study the Old Testament in depth, combining faith-based interpretation with scholarly rigor.