Introduction to the Old Testament

by R.K. Harrison

A thorough guide to the Old Testament for both scholar and novice. Thoroughly researched and fully documented, it begins with a lengthy section on the history of the criticism of the Old Testament, viewing the Hebrew Scriptures in the light of archaeology, chronology, history, religion and theology. Various views are presented regarding such issues as the authorship of the Pentateuch, the extent of the Flood, and the date of the Exodus. This is followed by a detailed discussion of each Old Testament book, paying close attention to its historical background, authorship, and principal ideas. This text also contains an overview of the books in the Apocrypha, which has been included chiefly for Protestants who may never have had occasion to study these books and their influence on early Judaism.

Genres: Old Testament, Reference, Theology, Christian, Religion

1344 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1969

Reviews

[Josh Dockter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had a very difficult time with this one. Some of the content was good in that Harrison shows what the lib biblical "scholars" believe about much of the OT but the fact remains that it was dry. Who knows, maybe I am dull and my second time through will be wildly fun.

[Dionysius the Areopagite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensable Tome found in mint condition for one penny in theological sem. One penny?, ye ask? Truth be known, the makeshift book sale had something like a decapitated can of soup in color paper garments, advertising: 1.00 for hardcover, .50 paperback, or best offer. And truth be known, I was in those days neck deep in Augustine, Dahlberg, Job, Daniel, and had I, in all my weatherbeaten romps in some aqueous, near Arabic nature of scorched sand, amplified eternity, came upon locusts, wild honey; in those days I would not have withered away in the skysaw mosaic of magnified famine. There is spherical Abraham, stained with dung and ashes. And here am I, the Roman with a skull full of Egypt, and three rare printings of Baudrillard (sic). Sneeze, memory. The unchanging destination; take a new turn. Sneeze, memory.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good OT Survey work with nice section for each book on quality of transmission of each text not often found in other works.