The historical books, from Joshua to Ezra and Nehemiah, form the narrative backbone of the Old Testament. Without them the Pentateuch would stop cold and the Prophets would hang in suspension. Even the Psalms and Wisdom literature would lose some of their luster for lack of a setting. Without these historical books the New Testament would be resolving an incomplete narrative, answering a question only half and hesitantly posed.

For all these reasons and more, it is a tragic fact that many of us today cannot give a brief and coherent account of this story. We fear that books with names like Judges, Kings and Chronicles would bore us. But nothing could be further from the truth. For the story they tell is full of action and intrigue, tragedy and suspense, vivid characters and memorable events. They are the stuff of great art and literature, and they have inspired men and women to lives and deeds of uncommon faith and courage. Exploring these books is essential for a true education, whether religious or otherwise.

In this guidebook, Philip E. Satterthwaite and J. Gordon McConville introduce us to the content and the context of these historical books. We view them within the setting of ancient history and history writing, and come to appreciate their literary artistry, their role within the Scriptures of Israel, and their lasting value as theological and ethical resources. Designed especially for students, Exploring the Old Testament, Volume 2: A Guide to the Historical Books overflows with interesting and helpful features that encourage avid exploration and the joy of learning.

Features and Benefits:

Introduces the historical books as the narrative backbone of the Old Testament

Surveys contemporary approaches to study of the historical books

Examines their setting in ancient history and history writing, their literary artistry, their role within the Scriptures of Israel, and their lasting value as theological and ethical resources

Aids teachers and students with discussion ideas and questions

Features "Digging Deeper" panels that explore select topics in greater detail

Provides "Further Reading" suggestions with select commentaries and studies on each book

Includes suggestions for research, debate and essay assignments

Includes maps, charts and diagrams

Up to date, reliable, balanced

Makes scholarship accessible to contemporary students and readers

Second in a four-volume series covering the Old Testament

Length: 300 pages
Size: 7 1/8 x 9 3/8 inches

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ISBN: 9780281054305
Catalogue code: N/A
Publisher: SPCK - published 21/06/2007
Format: Paperback