By Michael A. Harbin - The Promise and the Blessing: A Historical Survey of the Old and New Testaments

by Michael A. Harbin

The Bible is a collection of writings that together tell a unified story. But exactly how do all the pieces fit together? In a single volume, The Promise and the Blessing connects the dots of the Old and New Testament books to reveal the big picture of salvation history. Organized chronologically rather than canonically, this book traces the flow of Israel’s history and shows how the New Testament proceeds out of the Old. It begins with God’s creation of the cosmos and the initial problem of the fall of man. Then it traces God’s solutions to that problem as he selects first one man, Abraham, then his line, and then the nation of Israel to provide the Messiah. Finally, it focuses on the Messiah himself and looks at how the gospel of Jesus was spread throughout the known world. The Promise and the Blessing is easy to use and ideal for anyone who wants to understand the grand narrative of the Bible. It features numerous beautiful, full-color photos, as well as sidebars and brief, fascinating “breakouts” of supplementary information. Maps, illustrations, summaries, and insightful notes help to illuminate the text. Field-tested in the classroom, The Promise and the Blessing is designed for Old and New Testament survey classes and will provide all readers of the Bible with a better understanding of how the drama that began in Eden winds through Israel’s history to its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Religion, History

Hardcover

First published June 1, 2005

Reviews

[McKenzie Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok read this for school Old Testament and New Testament classes and I wanted to rate it bc it was a great textbook! Really broke down each section of the Bible in a comprehendible way. Thank you dbu! I loved my Bible classes <3

[Matthew Merchant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was and is a great book to read along side the bible during daily devotional reading. It will give you some great background information on each book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

[LeaAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as one of the textbooks in a college Bible course. I plan to go back and work through it more in depth again sometime. Great information! Loved the chronological format!

[Christopher Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is common for students of the Bible to have a decent understanding of disconnected parts of Scripture, only to be confused by the overarching story and message of the Bible. In "The Promise and the Blessing: A Historical Survey of the Old and New Testaments" Michael A. Harbin provides an historical narrative of the Scripture that will allow students of the Bible at every level to have a good grasp of how the different parts of Scripture fit together. Harbin's work is a gem, and many in the Church will greatly profit from his effort.

I have been studying the Bible for many years, and I have a Master's Degree in theology. Even so, I found this book helpful, useful and edifying. The Bible was "breathed out" (what theologians call "Inspiration") by an all-wise, infinite and eternal God. So it is no surprise that such a work would be monumental in scope. The Bible was written over a period of 1,500 years, so the very arc of such a history is long and complex. Add to that the fact that the Bible was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, it is no wonder that a student of Scripture could be overwhelmed and miss the forest for the trees.

But Harbin's excellent work will provide the student of Scripture with a historical framework to understand the sequence and flow of Scripture. This hefty volume could be used as a school textbook, the foundation of a 2 year Sunday School class curriculum, or it could simply be used as a supplement to one's own Bible study. However this book is used, the diligent student will find this book to be a helpful companion.

I am now indebted to Michael Harbin, and I hope that you will also profit from his work. Happy reading!

[Kevin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got more as I read it over. I use as a reference always. I use it fore OT prophecy in reference to the times of North and South of Israel's fall.
Well written. I use it to understand context of Paul's letters. Thus helps interpretation. Of course we need humble obedience to learn how to discern the Holy Spirit. However; this is a great tool when 'studying to show thyself approved, RIGHTLY dividing The Word of Truth.
Awesome Book!

[Lynette Ledoux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read through part one as part of a course I was enrolled in; now reading through part 2 as the book to support the lecture notes, other assigned reading which leads to additional readings (rabbit hole).
Good book to use in getting the gist of what was going on through the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible.
Along with each chapter is suggested readings from the Bible to support the body of each chapter and/or topic.
Worthy.

[Aadel Bussinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. From the colorful pictures to the careful explanation of the historicity of the Word.

[Donya Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and informative. An excellent addition to the library of any student of Scripture.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical survey of the Old and New Testaments.

[Dan Perik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for testing out of Liberty class. Very good survey of the Bible. Includes historical information that helps with understanding.