New Geneva Introduction to the Old Testament by R.C. Sproul

by Don K. Clements

New Geneva Introduction to the New Testament is a reprint of Bible study helps first developed by the Foundation for Reformation, Luder Whitlock, Jr., D.Min., President. It was originally produced as introductory material throughout the New Geneva Study Bible published by Thomas Nelson Publishers. However, that version of the Bible went out of print at the beginning of the 21st Century. Subsequently permission was given by Excelsis, Inc. [formerly Foundation for Reformation] to Metokos Press to reprint this work in the present trade-book format. These comprehensive and concise introductions to the various sections and books of the Bible provide invaluable reference to Christians interested in the Reformed tradition. The explanatory texts have been produced without the text of the Bible interspersed in order to provide an affordable compilation of material aimed at helping the everyday reader understand and interpret the various books of the Bible, no matter which translation version he or she might use. This volume on the New Testament is a companion book to New Geneva Introduction to the Old Testament. Adapted by Don K. Clements, it faithfully reproduces the text as originally produced for an audience that includes both the academician and the everyday reader who wants to have a deeper knowledge of the Bible and its context. A limited pre-publication edition is available for reviewers only.

Paperback

First published June 12, 2013

Reviews

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the two testaments of the Bible, I've always been more interested in the Old Testament, rather than the New. The religion I grew up with concentrated their sermons and study on the New Testament, and I've always thought I'd like to learn more about the older parts of the Bible. Thus, I chose this book for insights into the Old Testament.  The number of theological scholars involved in this book seemed impressive and extensive.

An early concentration is the authors' study of when the early books were written. It now turns out that the Bible's "J," "E," "P," and "D" writers were actually editors, who culled even more ancient documents to arrange the early books of the Bible.

Genesis shows the literary structure of the book.  Exodus tells the narrative of the Israelis' exodus from Egypt. Leviticus is a liturgical manual for priests. Numbers tells of Israel's march from the wilderness of Sinai to Cannan. And Deuteronomy records Moses' exposition of the law he received at Mount Sinai. Thus, this Pentateuch (5 books) is a mixture of history and law.

This book, with all of its authors, offers a fascinating explanation of certain aspects of each of the books of the Old Testament, including (1) authorship, (2) when and where the book was written, (3) characteristics and themes, and (4) an outline of the book (being discussed). This gives the authors room to discuss what could and couldn't have been happening when this book was written, who could and couldn't have written a book, etc.  This is all interesting analysis and something I really enjoy. Each chapter has its own analysis, using the four segments listed above. Here are the listings --

THE HISTORICAL BOOKS --
Joshua: The Book of Joshua,
Judges: The Book of Judges,
Ruth: The Book of Ruth,
1 Samuel: The First Book of Samuel,
2 Samual: the Second Book of Samuel,
1 Kings: The First Book of Kings,
2 Kings: The Second Book of Kings,
1 Chronicles: The First Book of Chronicles,
2 Chronicles: The Second Book of Chronicles,
Ezra: The Book of Ezra,
Nehemiah: The Book of Nehemiah,
Esther: The Book of Esther,
Job: The Book of Job.

INTRODUCTION TO HEBREW POETRY:
Psalms: The Book of Psalms,
Ecclesiastes: The Book of Ecclesiastes,
Song of Solomon.

INTRODUCTION TO THE PROPHETS:
Isaiah,
Jeremiah,
Lamentations,
Ezekiel,
Daniel, 
Hosea,
Joel, 
Amos,
Obadiah,
Jonah,
Micah,
Nahum,
Habakkuk,
Zephaniah, 
Haggai,
 Zechariah,
 Malachi.

INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERTESTAMENTAL PERIOD.

This is one of those books that I will keep by my side while reading the Old Testament.  The insights and discussions are valuable for having a greater understanding of the times and situations the Chosen People existed under during the times of the Old Testament.

[Steve Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic Intro to OT

This introduction was originally part of a study Bible, so the entries are short and sweet. Nothing earth shattering here.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical survey for the old testament. Its not detailed until the source of the text, but this is quite sufficient as survey.

[John Brackbill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very readable. A good brush up on introductory materials for OT books. It is written from a bible believing conservative covenant theology point of view. Is disappointed to read the following in the chapter introducing Genesis: " the tension between Genesis and modern science about the origins of the universe and of living species is largely resolved when it is recognized that they are speaking from different perspectives. Genesis is concerned about who created and why, not about how and when." (location 265). The Kindle edition had multiple typos.