Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form and Background of the Old Testament

by William Sanford La Sor

This standard textbook on the background, content, and message of the Old Testament is now thoroughly revised and updated and takes full account of new research in the field of Old Testament studies. This second edition features a new chapter on archaeology and the Old Testament by Robert E. Cooley, and other key chapters have been updated and expanded by leading scholars in the field of biblical studies Leslie C. Allen, John E. Hartley, Robert L. Hubbard Jr., William B. Nelson Jr., Nancy Heidebrecht, and John E. McKenna.

Genres: Reference, Theology, Old Testament, Biblical Studies, Christian, Religion, Christianity

688 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Jonathan St.Clair · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my only seminary textbook I wish I hadn't bought. I will rarely ever use this again. The Fuller faculty have shown their true colors here. Nearly every Old Testament book is presented in a very skeptical way. It seems the authors only trust the Scriptures where it lines up with known history and archaeology. Their affirmation of the inspiration of the Scriptures is quite lacking. I was left wondering why these men even spend the time to study the Bible when they apparently place so little stock in it. This book could be used as easily in a secular university as in an evangelical seminary (perhaps even more in the secular). If you're looking for ancient history, read this book. If you're looking for theological understanding, find another.

[Robert Miner · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a textbook for a liberal arts undergrad, maybe. For a student of theology, too simplistic, too superficial.
To some degree, too inaccurate.
Characteristic of cultural evangelicalism, in a generally conservative work, the authours inject the results of German liberal theology without reflection or discerment.
Frustrating at best, heretical at worst.

[baker97 · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, here's what I said halfway through:

The criticisms of this book are not valid. At worst they are grossly over-exaggerated and project two contemporary trends onto it: 1. The current perception of Fuller as among the worst criminals of theological liberalism and 2. the current obsession with rejecting even any discussion of form/redaction/historical criticism and condemning those who do so, likely all in favor of the new biblical theology.

I will add: Yes, Fuller is liberal now. This book is good! It represents the last group and major effort of generally conservative OT scholars at Fuller. "Generally conservative" is used because no "evangelical" institution can get away with being called "definitely conservative." Anyway, I liked this book. I really don't get the complaints about it and figure that they are fueled by an inability to read to understand and dialogue. No, I don't agree with everything in the book. At (rare) times they do exhibit too much of an interest in the natural sciences. For example, the scientific explanation of the plagues on Egypt is overdone. It sees God as simply knowing how and when these will happen and ensuring they do happen. In their view, most of the plagues naturally follow one another. Yet the text does not care about that. Another potential issue is departing from their main goal of "Message" at times, for example, in Daniel. The time is not wasted on proving their view of Daniel and his visions, but on explaining the many views that have cropped up in history. Yet the prayer of Daniel 9 gets one summarizing sentence.

Overall, can't see the harm in this one. Great OT intro. Deals with the hard questions raised by critical scholars and does not recant divine inspiration, even when considering realities such as Persian government records which may have made their way into Ezra-Nehemiah. Also, the complaints leveled forget one key thing: the subtitle of the book is not to exposit the Reformed etc. view of the OT, but to discuss the message, form and background. Nothing about that is heretical. Would recommend if time is in hand.

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reliable but not outstanding. Provides a basic and mostly uninspiring framework for every OT book. I would have liked more interaction with recent scholarship (although the book is no longer new), a better treatment of biblical theology and a consistent format for each chapter. (My Old Testament survey text.)

[Darwin Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given 5 stars were it not for the fact that some of the information is a little dated and that more space should be given to the various options for dating the Exodus and Eisodus (e.g. Finklestein vs. Rohl).

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament, by William Sanford Lasor, David Allan Hubbard, Frederic William Bush
I have had this with me for over a decade. Lots of info here. As a reference resource it is not bad but not great either. Eat the meat, spit out the bones. (4 stars)

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was our text for the Vineyard Institute course, "Restoration Literature" (which was a great course!) - I didn't read every word of this book, but it was well-written and structured, illustrated with interesting photographs and diagrams.

[Dave Betts · Rating 2 out of 5]

At times, memorising; at times, dreadfully dull. The overviews are good but nothing you would struggle to find elsewhere in higher quality. Spoiled in places by what appears to be unqualified liberalism with little to support such a perspective.

[Fr. Thomas Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used in Seminary. Dated but solid.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Textbook for my seminary class at NOBTS. Good, but nothing special.

[Jacob Hodgson]

Canonical work of Western Literature.

[Lázaro Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente libro para estudio del Antiguo Testamento, me gustó sus referencias históricas.

[Jeff Ragan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great (and classic) introduction to the Old Testament. A must read for any serious Bible student.

[Kelvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview of Chapters 12-16, 18-23, 27, 31-36, 42-44 & 49-50

This book has become my friend.

3.5/5

Intensely boring and intensely interesting. I have only read Chapters 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 27. The book appears to be very detailed and for those who want to do an in-depth Old Testament study an excellent read.

3/5

Chapters 12, 13, 14 15, 31, 41, 42, 43, 44, 49 & 50

For me this is a heavy book. It is also valuable and enlightening resource. I am very thankful every-time I delve into it, but still do not necessarily find it easy.

3/5

Chapters 17, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 44 

This is a good commentary that gets better every time I plunge into it. I love this book.

3.5/5

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic survey of the Old Testament background, and a fresh scholarly look at the Old Testament canon, Lasor offers a fantastic introductory tome that serves not only as an engaging read, but will serve as a useful reference tool in the future as well. The scholarship is not reactionary fundamental, nor is it critically skeptical, but rather, it is insightful, weighing multiple sides to many dynamic issues presented in the Old Testament text. Thankful to have gone through this giant text, as I have learned so much from it.

Brent McCulley

[Melisa Peebles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a helpful introduction to the Old Testament; however, there is a newer Old Testament survey book that would be helpful to look at in addition to this one. I'm not sure what it's called, but John Walton is one of the contributing editors.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could...pretty good in many areas but can be kind of a bore at other times.

[Josh Shelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative

[Calvin Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely one of my resource book as I study the OT. As with all commentaries, they need to be read with discernment and in combination with other sources.

[JOANNA KOLAWOLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

COOL TEXTBOOK!!

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good and concise - so good mine has gone missing.

[Jonathan]

None

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource, not one you just pick up and read.

[Caleb Corneloup]

Very useful book which provides priceless insights into the Old Testament.