The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry Into the Old Testament

by Sandra L. Richter, Pam Ward (Narrator)

Does your knowledge of the Old Testament feel like a grab bag of people, books, events and ideas? How many times have you resolved to really understand the OT? To finally make sense of it?

Perhaps you are suffering from what Sandra Richter calls the "dysfunctional closet syndrome." If so, she has a solution. Like a home-organizing expert, she comes in and helps you straighten up your cluttered closet. Gives you hangers for facts. A timeline to put them on. And handy containers for the clutter on the floor. Plus she fills out your wardrobe of knowledge with exciting new facts and new perspectives.

The whole thing is put in usable order--a history of God's redeeming grace. A story that runs from the Eden of the Garden to the garden of the New Jerusalem. Whether you are a frustrated do-it-yourselfer or a beginning student enrolled in a course, this book will organize your understanding of the Old Testament and renew your enthusiasm for studying the Bible as a whole.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Religion, Biblical Studies

Audible Audio

First published October 20, 2008

About the author

Sandra L. Richter (PhD, Harvard University) is Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College and a member of the Committee for Biblical Translation for the NIV. Her scholarly publications include an array of technical studies on the history, society, and economy of the Hebrew Bible, but she is best known in the church for her work The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament and her riveting DVD curriculums designed for those serious about their faith.

Reviews

[Josh E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough! Sandra Richter writes in such an engaging and accessible way, breaking down barriers to the Old Testament and through her own joy in the Word, do so in such a life-giving way. Becoming more fluent in the Old Testament is not merely a fun option for Christians who really like reading, but instrumental in understanding who God is through what He has done over the last several thousand years for us. Your own spiritual life will change when you understand your place in God’s narrative. Your evangelism will change when you understand your relationship to others through the biblical lens. Your understanding of the New Testament will change when you understand the world and literature of the Old Testament.
The methodology Richter uses in explaining herself I found to be very attractive. As she goes, she explains the definition and concept behind a Hebrew word the OT uses, then uses that Hebrew word throughout the chapter, reminding readers of the ideas presented in the definition as she applies the concept.
Richter’s subtitle, ‘A Christian Entry into the Old Testament,’ is exactly what this book is. At some times I found myself eager for a little more in-depth explorations of certain topics (the entry). At other times I felt like I could have been lost if I did not already have a basic understanding of the New Testament (the Christian). It walks this line though, making it accessible to a wide audience. Overall, an instrumental book I urge you to read.

[Kaleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a comprehensive, helpful read that is just academic enough to make you feel fancy/good about yourself. Covenant theology truly is a game changer. The biblical narrative has never felt less boring and more epic. I’ve never felt more a part of it. Read this not only if you want to better comprehend the Bible but also if you want to realize just how amazing God is at writing stories.

[Savannah Knepp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra Richter has observed that most Christians view the Old Testament like they would a disorganized closet: something that they want to sort through at some point but don't know how to start. This book is her attempt to give some tools to get started on understanding the story of the Old Testament and thus, the story of the Bible.

I found it to be informative and written in a way that made complex ideas understandable.

[Allison Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great read!! Knew I wanted to read this and after I had the privilege of listening to her lectures last spring I couldn't wait! I was able to make practical connections that I hadn't been able to see before in the OT. I would recommend it if you are looking for a book that helps you categorize and conceptually make sense of the entire OT without being trivial or trite. Richter's diagrams and timelines are enormously helpful as well if you are more of a visual learner!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite book on Genesis, although it covers a lot of other stuff as well. It's hard to define exactly what kind of book this is. Is it a commentary on Genesis? Is it a survey of Old Testament history? Is it an attempt to explain the New Testament in light of the Old? Richter offers her insights into the first 11 chapters of Genesis but then uses this section of scripture as a springboard to discuss the entire Old Testament, along with its implications for understanding the New Testament. The goal seems to be to help lay Christians, many of whom may find the Old Testament confusing or inaccessible, to read it with a better understanding of how it all fits together and how it connects with their faith. Her writing is both easy to read and intelligent. I was personally helped by her material on ancient near eastern culture, especially patriarchal family units and covenants. These were things I thought I already understood--turns out there was a lot I didn't know! Richter has a great knack for explaining complicated issues in very straightforward ways, and in doing so makes it much easier to understand Old Testament scripture in context. Her work on Genesis is particularly good. She addresses most of the major questions of the text, presents helpful cultural context, includes the thoughts of other commentators and current scholarship, and shares her insights on how it all matters to the Christian faith, all without being overwhelming. She also approaches issues that might be difficult for many Christians (e.g. an honest discussion of the 7-day creation) with a good balance of intellectual honesty and pastoral wisdom.

This book will not be a very useful tool to use in conjunction with a study of Genesis--unlike a commentary, it's organized more by topic than by verse and chapter references. However, this is now THE book I will be recommending to students in my Genesis studies who want to do followup reading, and to Christians looking to understand the OT better.

[Preston Glisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely elite modern contextualization of the story structure of the OT (a confusing and intimidating topic for many). the american church needs more richters. 8.9/10

[Kelsey Crandall · Rating 4 out of 5]

As required reading for an OT class, I honestly didn’t expect to devour this and enjoy it as much as I did! In what could’ve been a dry overview of the Biblical narrative, Richter instead employs a writing style that is witty, compelling, and accessible. Very much appreciated in this genre. I would’ve described myself as fairly familiar with the basic narrative structure of the Bible, but Richter’s analysis added so many rich historical/geographical/anthropological (ALL THE ‘CALS) details and insights that made the story that much more tangible. Def. would recommend.

[Martin Augestad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Den beste introduksjonsboken til Det gamle testamentet jeg har vært borti! Forfatteren gir knagger å henge informasjon på, som gjør det enklere å forstå kulturen, stedene, personene, paktene og ikke minst hvilken plass GT har i den store fortellingen i Bibelen. Hun presenterer Guds opprinnelige visjon i Edens hage og drar linker til Guds endelige mål i det nye Jerusalem i Joh Åp 21-22. I tillegget svarer hun kort på to spørsmål som hun ofte har møtt på; hvilken rolle spiller Moseloven i dag og hva skal man tenke om den moderne staten Israel i lys av GT. Dette var også interessant!

Kort fortalt: Les denne boken hvis du vil få en dypere forståelse av det gamle testamentet.

[Maggie Suplee · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely incredible. I came away from this book with such a deeper understanding of the context, culture, and covenants of scripture which has led to a deeper hunger for studying and knowing the OT. Highly highly recommend!!

[James (JD) Dittes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden is not only the ideal place, Richter writes in this excellent guide to the Old Testament for Christians, it also represents the ideal covenant. The rest of the OT, from Genesis 5 onward, is the story of God's efforts to redeem covenant relationship through a family (Abraham), a confederation (Moses) a nation (David) and all of humanity (Jesus).

In order to connect the modern Christian with the original audience for the Old Testament, Richter provides insights into the "household" and the loyalties that shaped cultures in the middle Bronze Age. Along with solid biblical and linguistic scholarship, she draws upon archaeology and topography to provide a unique sojourn "between the lines" of the great books of the Old Testament.

I would recommend this book for anyone seeking to gain more insight from Bible study. I'm not a student, just a lay member who really cares about biblical history and literature. I can see this helping out in many future sermons and/or Sunday school lessons.

[Aaron Carlberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why every book I have read recently I am giving 5 stars to, maybe I am going soft in my old age. The Epic of Eden is a place where Richter's Old Testament theology really shines. I can imagine sitting in her classroom with her as an instructor and simply enjoying learning.

Yes, almost everything she writes about is not new information, but she brings the information in a way that is joyful. I appreciate her love for God's creation and our redemption in Christ...plus I am partial to her covenantal views!

[Kayti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. After reading another OT book (Getting Involved with God by Ellen Davis), a friend recommended this one and it did not disappoint. Albeit different than Davis’ approach, Richter makes God’s mission— that began in Eden—more accessible for the average Christian who often finds themselves lost in the OT texts.

[Natalie Judson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite book

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

highly recommend. does a great job of breaking down the entire OT in an easy to understand way. This books makes the OT a little less intimidating to read

[Michael Hinnen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great intro to the OT! Richter provides a helpful covenantal framework for Christians to better understand the OT. Would recommend to all believers trying to grasp the OT.

[Brian D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the clearest and most concise summary of the Old Testament that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Richter synthesizes an incredible amount of Biblical research, history, and archeology in this book. I plan on rereading this one and recommending it to my believing friends that take an interest in the old covenant and want a better “big picture” overview.

[Joel Wentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the greatest, popular-level books I've read on the Old Testament. There are many remarkably helpful chapters in this book - including explanations of patriarchal culture, the economics of the ancient world, and even the geography of the Old Testament region. I gained so many wonderful insights from this volume. The way Richter paints ancient near-east culture, defining words like "redemption" and "covenant", breathes incredible life into the narrative. I also LOVED the way she describes the steps of the redemptive story in covenant terms. Her explanations of Mosaic law, as well as its relevance for the modern Christian, gives extremely helpful theological insight to the reader. Honestly, I put down this book and felt extremely excited about the Old Testament story, as well as a bit sad regarding how much the church avoids teaching it. I cannot recommend this book highly enough - every Christian, or those exploring Christianity - should read it!

[Devi Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish i had read this when i first became a Christian, and it was so life-changing my friend and I are co-leading a Bible study on it at our church because we want to share its message so much! The book is intended to help Christians organize and make sense of the Old Testament so we can see how the Bible is one large story of redemption, not just a collection of stories with good lessons that are all unconnected. The author helps us 1) see that the OT story is part of our stories as believers, 2) overcome the cultural barriers that make understanding the OT difficult, and 3) organize the OT in space and time so it’s easier to see as part of the big picture. A book like this that makes you want to read your Bible more is a book worth reading!

[Corrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been needing a book like this for so long. This book compiles all the major aspects of the Old Testament into one book and gives an understandable yet supported explanation of the story of the OT. There were so many times while reading that I thought “wow, that makes sense now!”. The writing is really smooth and clear but I treated this like a textbook because there is so much packed in and I wanted to really understand. This will definitely be a book I reference as I read the OT.

[Brent Billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have come to appreciate the subtitle of this book very much: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament. I know it was true of myself, and I think many Christians simply don’t know what to do with most of the Old Testament. We may have read it, possibly many times over—but we never truly gained entry.

I would consider this to be essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the world of the monstrously mythical characters we might think we know so well. Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David—recognizably human, and yet otherworldly in their interactions with the narrative of God. How often I have longed to speak with God in the way these men did! And yet achieving a grasp of their mindset is indeed possible.

Having been given the chance to speak with Dr. Richter directly, I can assure you that she isn’t merely academically brilliant and thorough, but also wildly passionate about the Text and the characters within it. Her excitement is profound and her work brings the heroes of our faith to life.

In the end, we come to our conclusions in different ways, but Sandy presents her views humbly and with acknowledgement of the alternatives. (It is but one aspect of her extensive footnotes.) Her arguments are rooted in the Text and worth considering. It might be easy to find someone equally passionate about the Kingdom of God or someone equally knowledgeable about the Bible, but the combination in her is rare.

Sandy’s work is valuable to anyone who yearns to live in the world of the Bible, and she will point you to a hundred other resources if you want even more.

[Jasper Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the Old Testament and the narrative unfolding. I think a good amount of Christians fail to understand the purpose of the Old Testament and what God is communicating throughout the story. We think of the stories as, good moral lessons to learn from, not a redemptive arc being unfolded.

Take the time and read through this diligently!

[Chad Stogner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richter does an amazing job connecting Old Testament theology and the ancient Near East culture to her excitement and anticipation for God's final redemption. Reading her book makes me feel as though I have started to do my own research into Biblical scholarship instead of having to rely on the commentary of preachers.

[Kate Bauknight · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is wow. I learned so much through reading this book alongside women from my church. The knowledge, background, history, perspective, and confidence I have gained will follow me as I continue to study the Bible, specifically the Old Testament.

[Roxie Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

“May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who delivered the children of Abraham from the slavery of Egypt and the exiles of Eden from the curse of death, live in your hearts and bring you home”.

A prayer Sandra Richter closed this book with - a book with the goal of providing order to the knowledge we hold about the Old Testament in hopes of bringing the God of ages to life in our present. I came to find order can bring a greater awareness and deep appreciation of our God’s intent for humanity. Leaving with more gratitude/curiosity for the Old Testament and greater love for my Heavenly Father!

[Sally Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandra Richter, the writer that you are!!! I read the Bible differently because of this book

[A.C. Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Epic of Eden, Sandra Richter does a great job of pulling back the curtain on the Old Testament and explaining how it all fits together in an amazingly understandable style. I've been reading the Bible on an almost regular basis for almost two decades, and this book explained how and why things are laid out in the Old Testament in a way that I've never seen before.

The author does an exquisite job of defining the where, when, and why of the main events and people of the Old Testament and what they mean to us as New Testament Christians. The blurb on the back cover of the book claims that "This book will not only expand your knowledge, it will deepen your spiritual life," and it accomplishes this in an epic fashion.

My wife and I like reading books like this one together and discussing what we've read and learned as we go along. What I enjoyed most about The Epic of Eden is how clearly I now understand the culture, history, and geography contained in the Old Testament. The books contained there are not archaic or removed from my faith as a Christian. They are the very foundations on which my entire worldview rests. The relationships God establishes within its pages reveal His love, heart, character, and aspirations for the entire human race. I have a deeper understanding now of the character of Christ Himself, and the true proportions of what His sacrifice and love for me truly entail.

Whether you consider yourself to be a Biblical scholar or not, I strongly encourage you to read this book. It will reveal the Old Testament to you in ways you never before have seen. It explains the history of mankind and our relationship with Almighty God within the cultural context of the people with whom He originally established covenant relationship. This, in turn, explains the relationship He desires to have with you and me today.

If this book sounds interesting to you, you can find it on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/2fOxFOY

Until next time, stay safe, and above all, be true to yourself.

That Aaron Guy

[Marty Solomon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra Richter did a great job helping readers reorganize their mental filing cabinets for biblical hermeneutics.

Richter starts her book by taking the reader through three crash-course lessons in contextual basics. The patriarchal culture/setting of the Bible, the geography of the Bible, and a basic understanding of ancient eastern covenants. From this place, Richter is able to walk the reader through a basic narrative of biblical history, based on an understanding on covenant.

I found it incredible how Richter was able to take what felt like miles and miles of information and synthesize it down to bite-sized chunks that were very easy to grasp and understand -- all while not losing any of the depth of substance in the information. What a great read to glean and huge understanding of a biblical, contextual hermeneutic (one of many).

The only frustration with the book (that kept it from a fifth star), was that I wanted Richter to challenge and question theology more. However, time and time again, as she would blow up our typical understanding of the scriptural context, she would use the information to confirm our typical understandings of theology. While I personally feel as though the information BEGS the reader to question our theological underpinnings, there was a subtle beauty in her ability to 'change everything, without changing anything'. The discussion is a disarming education that has the potential to lead to bigger discussions.

[Chase Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I had to read this book for a class and at first I really didn’t like it because it seemed as if she viewed the Bible as just purely a Eastern book and not the divine Word of God. At one point saying that God did not create the covenant idea but got it from middle eastern culture. Also at times had exegesis that was not faithful to scripture but towards the end I did enjoy what she had to say on some covenants. I wouldn’t recommend this book to many people just because there are better books out there that convey the same message that Mrs. Richter is trying and does convey.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book. I have a much deeper appreciation for the use of the OT by the NT after this.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This was God’s perfect plan: the people of God in the place of God dwelling in the presence of God.”

I have been slowly reading this book for 4 months. It has become so important to me and I hate to finish it really. The quote above is repeated often throughout the book. This plan was achieved in Eden until it wasn’t and God has been working ever since to redeem creation according to this plan. As a lifelong Christian and church goer and a pastors wife for 16 years, you would think I would know this stuff backwards and forwards. But the truth is, truly understanding the Old Testament is hard and goes way beyond Sunday School. Most devotion books and bible studies don’t dig deep enough to see how the history of the OT is so important to our faith. I ended up in tears as I finished thinking of those who don’t know the rest of the story. I highly recommend as a book of study. It filled in many gaps for me and I plan to keep studying and use this as a reference for years to come.