The Essence of the Old Testament: A Survey

by Ed Hindson (Editor), Gary E. Yates

The Essence of the Old Testament surveys the books from Genesis to Malachi. Based on thirty years of scholarly research and classroom teaching, a team of biblical scholars from Liberty University provides a practical, readable, and insightful introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures in canonical order.

This uniquely illustrated, full-color volume features book introductions, background studies, outlines, surveys, theological concepts, practical applications, study questions, and helpful Hebrew word studies for English readers.

Editors Ed Hindson and Gary Yates draw from a lifetime of teaching to provide a well tested and proven Old Testament overview written at the collegiate level, yet appropriate for pastors, scholars, and laymen alike. They represent the finest evangelical scholarship along with a passion to open windows of spiritual and practical insight into the biblical text.

This exciting new survey of the Scriptures highlights the key elements of the Hebrew literature of the Law, the Prophets, and the Poets of the Old Testament. The history, archaeology, and wisdom of the biblical world are revealed with an eye on the application of their moral principles, theological insights, and practical application to today’s world.

Genres: Theology, Textbooks, Religion, Biblical Studies

496 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2012

About the author

also see Edward E. Hindson

Reviews

[Elliana Anderson (Salter) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive summary of each Old Testament book; I appreciated the authors’ attention to the historical context, writers’ backgrounds, message of each book, and theological significance of each book. However, I noticed that on occasion the dates listed for various events contradict each other which was a bit confusing.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely helpful and gave me better insight as I read through the Old Testament. I would read the chapter of this book that coincided with the book in the Bible I was preparing to read, and it was very beneficial and gave me clarity in what I as reading in the OT. I highly recommend reading this book to anyone desiring to have a better understanding of OT teaching .

[Kayla Barriger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic and slightly dry. However, it could be helpful to use as a quick reference.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very detailed history of the Old Testament. I read this for an Old Testament class that I took on the university level.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

easoned professors Ed Hindson and Gary Yates join forces to give us “The Essence of the Old Testament: A Survey.” This volume is aimed at beginning undergraduate students and serious laymen as well. B & H Academic has almost concerned the market on Bible surveys for every level and this one holds up the high standard of its sister volumes and yet is accessible to its target audience.

There’s three introductory chapters adeptly looking at big picture issues like people, places, archaeology and canon. Each section of the Old Testament gets like Pentateuch, historical books and so on get a helpful chapter.

The majority of the book is a chapter for each book of the Old Testament, except for joint chapters on, for example, I and II Kings. Each chapter covers background, an outline, a section on message that basically covers the contents of the book, and a short section on theological significance.

This book is a gorgeous volume with nice pictures, charts, and maps that will be a real asset to you.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Ezekiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an academic textbook, I found this book to be somewhat entertaining. I can foresee myself going back to this book in order to research topics and look up some of my highlights. It was informative and slightly entertaining. I think that is good for an educational textbook

[Moriah Leech · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little on the dry side at times, but that may have been mostly because it was required reading for my college class! Overall, great info and a really useful book!

[Veda Sorrells]

Somewhat confusing at times, but considering the subject matter and the fact that is was used for one of my online classes, I will take it.

[James Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good Old Testament Survey book.

[Courtney Carrico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for a college class - helpful with understanding the Old Testament.

[Tre Brickley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was extremely helpful to me. I appreciated the in-depth examination of each book of the Old Testament, especially its historical background and literary structure.