The Old Testament Made Easier - Part 1: Genesis through Exodus 19

by David J. Ridges

In this third edition, noted teacher and gospel scholar David J. Ridges brings the Old Testament to life with his well-known teaching skills. It is much expanded over previous editions and includes almost all of the scripture reading blocks referenced in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Come, Follow Me for the Old Testament. A quick glance inside will show you the format, which includes background and setting, brief notes within and between the verses, and bold font to emphasize and point things out.UNDERSTAND THE OLD TESTAMENT AS NEVER BEFORE!The Old Testament is a most valuable book of scripture. It is the source of several favorite Bible stories many of us heard when we were growing up, such as Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Noah and the Flood, David and Goliath, Ruth, Daniel in the Lions' Den, and many more. However, far beyond, it is a rich source of gospel doctrines and teachings of the plan of salvation. It teaches the Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement of Christ in many ways and with rich illustrations, including in the law of Moses. It teaches the mercy and willingness of Jehovah, the premortal Jesus Christ, to forgive. It teaches and illustrates time and again what kinds of thinking and actions we need to avoid if we desire to remain firmly on the covenant path. And it teaches how to repent and return to Christ, whose arms of mercy are extended all the day long (Isaiah 65:2), inviting us to repent.

809 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2021

About the author

David J. Ridges taught for the Church Educational System for thirty-five years. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Brigham Young University and taught adult religion and Know Your Religion classes for BYU Continuing Education and spoke at BYU Campus Education Week for many years.

Ridges has served as a curriculum writer for Sunday School, seminary, and institute of religion manuals. His callings in the Church include Gospel Doctrine teacher, bishop, stake president, and patriarch. He and his wife, Janette, have served two full-time Church Educational System missions. They are the parents of six children and are enjoying a growing number of grandchildren. They reside in Springville, Utah.

Reviews

[Cassaronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for help with basic understanding and some definitions. Definitely didn’t agree with all of his “interpretations.” It’s good for a seminary-student-level of inquiry. I would recommend Skinner or Welch for deeper scholarship.

[Britni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for better understanding the Old Testament. It gives just enough background and historical context to make the stories make more sense but not too overwhelming. I love the format because you are literally reading the Old Testament verse by verse with the explanations written right in. That was much easier for me to read instead of having to go back and forth to different sections. I also appreciated the translations into Hebrew that gave some scriptures a totally different meaning. You can probably find more scholarly books on the Old Testament, but this is what I needed.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books take you through the Old Testament verse by verse and adds explanations and additional quotes and scriptures to help you understand them better. I loved it and learned so much! This specific books goes from Genesis through Exodus 20.

[Brent M Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mixture of the scholarly and the spiritual.

Mr. Ridges has included a wealth of information from a multitude of Bible scholars, apostles, and teachers. He gives alternate translations as well, making this work a most valuable resource.

[Mike Milam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

David Ridges explains the meanings of Old Testament verses. A great resource for Sunday School and personal study. Enjoyable reading.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Made Easier series, but especially for the Old Testament. It makes studying more clear and easy to understand.

[Mickalene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ridges books are an excellent source to aid Scripture study.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! It brings so much insight and helps you understand the traditions and meanings of biblical times! So helpful and awesome to read and helped me to actually understand all that I was reading!!