Introducing the Old Testament: A Short Guide to Its History and Message

by Tremper Longman III

An abridged edition of the bestselling book An Introduction to the Old Testament, this rich guide makes Old Testament scholarship accessible to the average reader. Renowned Bible scholar Tremper Longman III gathers the best in historical research and literary analysis to lead the reader through each book of the Old Testament. Most significantly, Longman explores the meaning of each book in light of its cultural setting. Abbreviated chapters highlight key research discoveries, ensuring that the information is both significant and manageable. Including questions at the end of each chapter for group discussion or personal reflection, Introducing the Old Testament makes the words, history, and culture of biblical times come alive for readers. Laypersons as well as church leaders will take away a solid understanding of the historical background and theological message of the Old Testament and be inspired to apply biblical truths to their lives.

Genres: Old Testament, Christian, Read For School, Nonfiction, Religion, Textbooks, Spirituality

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2012

About the author

Tremper Longman III (PhD, Yale University) is the Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Before coming to Westmont, he taught at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia for eighteen years. He has authored or coauthored numerous books, including An Introduction to the Old Testament, How to Read Proverbs, and commentaries on Daniel, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Jeremiah and Lamentations, and Song of Songs.

Reviews

[Ashley Bogner]

I read this for one of my classes!

[Daniel Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short summary of each book of the Old Testament in turn. Deathly dry. This is an abridgment - the full version seems to be out of print, in the UK at least.

[Jaime T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to read alongside the Old Testament. It breaks each OT book down easily to understand. Great for those like me who found it hard to read and understand the OT books.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent yet brief introduction to the Old Testament.

[Jennifer Gelert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my text book for my How To Study the Old Testament classes. Short chapters with lots of information. Came away with a better understanding of what these books are saying.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, easy-to-understand reference for every book in the Old Testament.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good book if you want a break down of each book of the Old Testament. It gives a summary of the book, the authors, the genre of the text, and how it connects to the New Testament.

[Jenny Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been in my collection for a few years, but I am just now getting around to reading it. Each individual book is covered through content, authorship and date, genre, and gospel connection. There are times when the author acknowledges the existence of multiple perspectives, and other times when the author seems to default to the traditional view.

In Genesis, Longman notes the similarities of the creation narrative to other Ancient Near Eastern creation narratives. But then when reviewing Abraham’s story, he falls back on the popular trope that Yahweh commanded him to sacrifice–yet this is not the only interpretation. Longman does admit the authorship debate on many of the books of the Old Testament. I appreciate that he even noted the Documentary Hypothesis. Moving on to Exodus he relies on the American traditional view that The Law continues importance through the Gospels. In addition, Longman says the Passover is connected to the crucifixion but the Passover lamb was not about sin.

I did appreciate that Longman wrote, “As with all works of history, the book presents a selective and interpretive account …”

As the author covered the book of Samuel, Longman acknowledged that the people wanted a king by God chose him; however, chalks three instances of Saul being chosen as Saul’s reluctance. In the Psalms, he noted the similarities in poetry to Canaanite and Mesopotamian poetry.

I like the connection that Longman makes to the anticipation of the Gospels. However, multiple times the author claims that the anticipation of the Gospel in an Old Testament book is seen in the descriptions of God as warrior, yet Jesus in the Gospels is not a warrior who fights, but one who loves, heals and restores.

Overall, this is an interesting read as an overview of the books of the Old Testament. However, being a fairly short book, the perspectives are limited.

[Brian Pate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is loaded with helpful material, but I cannot recommend it.

On one hand, Longman has provided an immensely helpful introduction to each book in the OT. (There is value to a book-by-book approach, but I would have appreciated summary chapters for major units to connect the dots.) I'm sure I will continue to reference and benefit from it.

On the other hand, Longman introduces (or dodges) enough controversial issues, that I cannot recommend this book to church members. Laypeople need solid, conservative answers -- not the soft or questionable responses in this book.

Here is where Longman advocates liberal ideas or leaves the questions open:
- Soft on creationism (11, 17). Elsewhere he advocates theistic evolution.
- Open to JEDP (16-17).
- Denies accuracy of Joshua (44) and supports a peaceful migration theory (46).
- Messianic hope was late (51, 93).
- Negative interpretation of Ecclesiastes (108).
- Denial of Solomonic authorship of Ecclesiastes (109). I believe the "frame narrator" view is original with Longman.
- Isaianic authorship (120-21).
- Soft on dating and prophetic nature of Daniel (143).
- Historicity of Jonah (163).

[Christan Reksa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great quick read to have overview of the Old Testament for those of you who are too lazy to read over the Old Testament again (like me hahaha) but in needs to have an overarching view of the whole testament. Longman gave easy to follow guide in each Old Testament book so that we can glance over the content, authorship, date, purpose, genre, and (an important part) the connection to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This book really helps those who wants to form an understanding of Hebrew Bible with its relations to the future consummation in Christ in New Testament but still with the understanding of the context at the time of the writing. All communicated in easy-to-read language and shorter, more digestable form than the fuller-version of Longman's book, "An Introduction to the Old Testament".

Reading this actually encourages me to read Old Testament again from start to finish lol

[Hank Pharis · Rating 2 out of 5]

(NOTE: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book or a B. 3 stars means a very good book or a B+. 4 stars means an outstanding book or an A {only about 5% of the books I read merit 4 stars}. 5 stars means an all time favorite or an A+ {Only one of 400 or 500 books rates this!).

Good little introduction to each book of the O.T. Purposefully brief.

[Tieno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, kind of a life-saver. A great overview of the Old Testament, highlighting the main points and their significance. Can get a little confusing at times, but I truly think this does help you understand the Old Testament and how it connects to the Gospel a little more.

[Jenna Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this resource. It is concise and informative. I plan to use it as a tool in Bible study going forward.

[Liz Grier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to learn the background of the books of the Old Testament

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful guide through the OT

[Jace Bohlman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really good! Read a little bit more like a textbook at times, which definitely makes sense. Overall, great content!!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliff notes to the Old Testament!