Old Testament Times: A Social, Political, and Cultural Context

by R.K. Harrison

Recent years have seen a renewed interest in the study of background materials relating to Scripture. More and more Christians are seeking out resources that will help them understand the culture of the times when the Bible was written. Indeed, to fully understand the Old Testament, one must first understand the social, historical, and political forces that affected its writers.

Old Testament Times explores and explains the characters and events of the Old Testament in historical perspective. Being released for the first time in a full-color edition, this guide includes

- thirty-two maps
- seventy photos
- eight charts
- five illustrations

Pastors, small groups, and anyone wishing for a better understanding of biblical times will find an excellent tool in this comprehensive handbook written by one of America's foremost biblical scholars.

Genres: Old Testament, Biblical Studies, Education, Reference, History

352 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kesia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overview of OT context. The beginning chapters were heavily focused on Near Eastern nations and how their cultures are relevant to the OT. I felt that the Pentateuch got lots of attention where as the prophets and post exilic times were covered quicker with less details.

Interesting to read about the archeology bits and its involvement in helping validate and interpret scripture. Helpful pictures and illustrations throughout.

[Pei-jean Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping this to be a little more in-depth, but that being said it is a good overview into the Old Testament world and how it ties in with the other civilisations and empires present during the time.

[William Collen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book and Jack Finnegan's "Light From the Ancient Past" are almost identical in scope, subject, and even structure, but whereas Finnegan's book focuses more on the archaeology, this one takes a much broader view. Large passages read like a paraphrase or summary of the Old Testament.

[Achieng Otieno · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rich in lost and some obscure heritage.

[John Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in seminary. It was great.