New Geneva Introduction to the Old Testament

by Don K. Clements (Adapted by)

The New Geneva Study Bible was one of the finest study Bibles of its kind—edited by R.C. Sproul and written by well-respected Reformed authors. Now out of the print, the introductory materials have been collected, with permission, into two informative and easy-to-read volumes.

The New Geneva Introduction to the Old Testament provides clear, concise, and theologically sound information on the background, history, genres, and themes of the Old Testament, as well as an introduction to the Intertestamental Period.

This volume will be valuable as a background text for anyone interested in learning more about the Bible or as a quick reference for students, preachers or Christian ministry workers.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

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.