The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological, and Critical Introduction

Exactly as pictured no complaints

I was looking for an OT overview that is more current on archeological findings and understanding than what I owned. This definitely fit's the bill. The only thing I would stress is that this is written on an academic level. It's not an easy or basic introduction to the OT.

Great book to have on hand. Makes a terrific reference book and is also enjoyable just as interesting pleasure reading.

Quite a useful, up-to-date, evangelical, but critically-engaged introduction to the OT. It is particularly strong on historical, socio-cultural, and archaeological background and is well aware of present scholarly currents. I suppose it is assigned reading in quite a few seminaries, as well it should be.

For a graduate class.

You can read my fuller review at Spoiled Milks (5/20/19). Hess begins by describing how the name “Old Testament” began being used. He surveys different manuscript evidences of the OT, textual criticism, and how to find the right tools to study the OT. He divides his book into four parts: Each chapter of Hess’ introduction is laid out in this way: Name, Text, and Outline Hess explains why the book has its name, some differences between the Masoretic text (MT) and the Septuagint (LXX), and gives an outline for the book. Overview Hess spends a few pages going through each chapter (or section) of the book. "Reading Exodus" Premodern Reading Hess surveys how Judaism and early Christians interpreted parts of the book. Source Criticism Hess briefly surveys what source critics have thought about the text. Tradition History The concern here is on the sources that (possibly) make up the larger text. Literary Readings Literary approaches to the text looks at how the story functions. They analyze books for their twists and turns, their repetition of characters and their actions, how they develop, and how some events precipitate other events to occur. Gender and Ideological Criticism Hess surveys how others have written about female characters in particular and how they are either oppressed or rise above the status quo. Other concerns covered would be liberation theology, the slaughter of Israel’s enemies, and a focus on countries from around the world. Ancient Near Eastern Context Hess compares and contrasts the biblical book from other writings in the ANE. Canonical Context Hess notes how the book contributes to the canon of Scripture. Theological Perspectives Hess looks at the theology of each OT book. Hess ends with three pages on the “transition” from the OT to the NT. Throughout the book, Hess provides charts, pictures, illustrations, and sidebars (or side-boxes) that give attention to topics of interest (“Egyptian Pessimism” in Ecclesiastes, the “Instruction of Amenemope” in Proverbs, “The Signet Ring” in Haggai, “The West Semitic Storm-God and the Sea” in Habakkuk, and more). Each chapter ends with a short survey of key commentaries and studies on the book. Hess offers a short note on the strengths of each commentary. Recommended? Overall this is a solid contribution from a long-time OT scholar. The amount of information put into this book is staggering, especially how one man could remember all this. But because the book is only one volume, it limits Hess’ coverage. However, this is only meant to be a survey. Hess is generous in his coverage of so many different interpreters, inviting his readers to a wide swath of different interpretive methods from these different scholars. Hess excels in organization. Though written for seminarians and scholars, his book is clear and accessible. If you’re looking for an OT introduction that looks carefully at how each OT book has been read throughout history and today while not neglecting the book’s own content and theology, you should really consider picking up Hess’ book. If you’re looking for other book-by-book approaches, combine Hess with Van Pelt’s A Biblical Theological Introduction to the Old Testament, which focuses on the content and theology of each book. For a thematic approach, combine Hess with Robin Routledge’s Old Testament Theology.

Richard S. Hess is Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Denver Seminary. Hess earned his Ph.D. from Hebrew Union College and has authored numerous books, including Israelite Religions: An Archaeological and Biblical Survey, Studies in the Personal Names of Genesis 1-11, and commentaries on Leviticus, Song of Songs, and Joshua. Hess is the current editor of the Denver Journal, former editor of the Bulletin of Biblical Research, and the associate editor of Old Testament, archaeology, and maps for the NIV Zondervan Study Bible. Most recently, Hess has released the present volume, a much-anticipated introduction to the Old Testament. The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological, and Critical Introduction is an up-to-date, sizable, and comprehensive introduction to the OT and the current landscape of OT studies. Hess leaves virtually no stone unturned while he guides the reader through the various layers of the field. The Old Testament is divided into four major parts (Pentateuch, Historical Books, Poetic Books, and Prophetic Books) and covers all thirty-nine of the writings of the Old Testament. Hess opens with a suitable introduction to the structure, canonization, text and textual criticism of the OT. As attention is directed towards the content of the OT, the organization and arrangement of the volume provide readers a unique framework for optimal engagement with each OT book. Each chapter is divided into four major units: (1) Name, Text, and Outline, (2) Overview, (3) Reading, and (4) Theological Perspectives. The third unit (“Reading”) surveys six methods of interpretation, including, premodern readings, higher criticism, literary readings, gender and ideological criticism, ancient Near Eastern context, and canonical context. The fourth unit (“Theological Perspectives”) examines the major themes in each book. Lastly, each chapter includes a brief bibliography for further study. There is much to be praised about this volume. The organization and arrangement of each of the chapters is easily at the top of the list. Where Hess does exceptionally well is the “Reading” section included in each chapter. Not only does the reader have an opportunity to engage with the standard introductory information expected, but Hess surveys the far-reaching hermeneutical landscape that has interacted with the content. Aside from the chapters, Hess has also included a number of sidebar articles, various maps and photos scattered throughout, and a handful of full-color plates in the center of the volume. The book is targeted towards a graduate-level audience and is scholarly and academic in nature. Nevertheless, as usual, Hess is both engaging and accessible, and thus, The Old Testament should find itself useful for a wide readership. Of course, the most praiseworthy aspect of this book is Hess’ ability to make the OT exciting and applicable for the student, and thus, indispensable for the professor. The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological, and Critical Introduction by Richard S. Hess contains all the marks of a go-to standard for the field of OT studies. Hess’ expertise in ancient Near Eastern studies and his breadth of knowledge in the OT are on full display. The Old Testament is a must-have resource for scholars, students, and interested laypeople alike. It is accessible, extensive, and overflowing with riches. It comes highly recommended!

Excellent condition!

If you really want to find out the truth. It will make ask you, "what are they really hiding"?

3.9/5 stars. This is a scholarly work and I use it as one of my main Old Testament survey because of the depth, background and critical analysis it offers. This is an odd size book, thick but not that wide. At this price, one might expect full color illustrations and sewn binding but that is not the case here. It is glue bound and doesn’t open flat. The printing has less than desirable contrast with the text in a single column, too close to spine/gutter for taking any kind of notes on that margin. The black and white images look so out of date. here are so many great OT surveys out there, this one I like only because of the author, scholarship and critical approach because I like to study all types of perspective and not be limited to evangelical. For a lay leader or a graduate student, this book has some interesting critical content and arguments/analysis, it is unlike any other Old Testament survey out there. The richness of scholarly content is very impressive, I only wish it was printed better and in color.