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An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books
Rich rewards await readers who dig deep into the historical books of the Old Testament. Incredible events, amazing love stories, larger-than-life personalities, and deep theological themes are just some of the treasures found in Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. These books tell the story of the nation of Israel and the God who loves her, punishes her, and always brings this recalcitrant people back to Himself. It is really the story of all of us. David M. Howard Jr. provides an in-depth introduction to the Old Testament historical books, focusing first on the overarching themes of historical narrative in general. He then turns his attention to each book, considering topics From the conquest of Canaan to the fall of Jerusalem, from war to peace and back to war, from kings and queens to farmers and housewives—David Howard covers it all in this invaluable introduction to the Old Testament historical books.
456 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
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102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 18, 2023
A good introduction to the Historical Books. It is short and accessible. Reading for my class at Covenant Seminary.
This is not the same as Alexander’s “From Paradise to Promise Land” or Bloomberg’s “The Gospels” but it serves a good purpose and it the best in the field so far.
These books could use an updated or revised edition.
This is not the same as Alexander’s “From Paradise to Promise Land” or Bloomberg’s “The Gospels” but it serves a good purpose and it the best in the field so far.
These books could use an updated or revised edition.
December 20, 2021
4.5 // A great resource for tracing the single story of God’s people throughout the Old Testament Historical Books. Will likely return to this one as a reference in the future.
May 3, 2022
This is a quality introduction to the Historical Books from a traditional perspective.
My favorite sections of each chapter were the “tough passages” section.
My favorite sections of each chapter were the “tough passages” section.
April 28, 2025
Kind of like a dominoes pizza: Good, but not great. Some helpful info, especially the historical context sections. He mentioned Jesus a whopping 3 times in 360 pages, which was disappointing to me.
August 17, 2021
This book goes over the historical books of the Old Testament in the Bible. Summarizing each of the books (1 & 2 Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther) into different chapters that break down these books. Reading about the different historical and cultural aspects of the Kingdom and Exilic periods of the Old Testament history.
This book is a must read for any Christian that wants to learn more about God and His Word. Many of the events that take place in these books are so far removed from us by time and culture that they are hard to understand. We need books like this to help us understand the context of the original writers.
This book is a must read for any Christian that wants to learn more about God and His Word. Many of the events that take place in these books are so far removed from us by time and culture that they are hard to understand. We need books like this to help us understand the context of the original writers.
December 23, 2017
An excellent introduction to all the books between Deuteronomy and Job. With regard to each book (or pairs of books: 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, and Ezra-Nehemiah are dealt with as three rather than six) Howard deals with issues of authorship % date, place in the canon, historical & cultural context, theology, and special issues. The treatment is familiar with standard critical studies, but gives a thoroughly evangelical discussion. I found his treatment of the theology of the several book particularly insightful. Highly recommended.
August 14, 2017
This book is a thorough and accessible introduction to the Old Testament historical books from an Evangelical, orthodox perspective. The author does not shy away from difficulties presented by the various books and refrains from giving simplistic, pat answers to questions that arise. This is a good reference volume for the serious Bible student to have on hand.
April 4, 2024
Dry reading. Serves its purpose for background studies, authorship, historical overview and a basic outline of the historical books.
Falls short in applying each book to Christ and emphasizes more background and ANE studies. Some chapters have brief theological reflections e.g. theology of the temple, but they are not developed well and are very brief.
Falls short in applying each book to Christ and emphasizes more background and ANE studies. Some chapters have brief theological reflections e.g. theology of the temple, but they are not developed well and are very brief.
April 18, 2023
Really helpful!
April 17, 2024
Fine book. The series in general does a nice job giving overviews for each book. Three stars just because I can't ever imagine this being the kind of book I would love to read!
Read for OT Historical Books class in seminary.
Read for OT Historical Books class in seminary.
May 1, 2021
This was very good and helpful! It's approachable and hits at the core of what a student of the historical books of the Bible might need to know without getting too in detail. I appreciated how it deals with problems that arise in each of the books and the way contemporary biblical scholars are working through those issues, even if the current moment of scholarship doesn't full give us the answers we are in search of. The language is not overwhelming but it is rich with background information that's helpful for understanding the context a reader is about to discover.
I'd recommend it mostly as a tool to get a grip on any of the historical books it covers before going too far into study. Anytime I am teaching on or personally studying a historical book of the Bible, I'll likely reach for this as a good refresher and something to help give me direction in my study.
I'd recommend it mostly as a tool to get a grip on any of the historical books it covers before going too far into study. Anytime I am teaching on or personally studying a historical book of the Bible, I'll likely reach for this as a good refresher and something to help give me direction in my study.
December 3, 2009
This was another "required Seminary" book, which simply means it falls into the category of, "I might not have read it unless it was required of me." In many cases, I find some gems, or at least a chapter or so that's a gem, in a book that I am thankful seminary required me to read. There's nothing like some reading direction to force you into new areas, and finding out you enjoy those areas. (I think about reading Kierkegard, and specifically Climacus, earlier than I would have had it not been for seminary; and I loved that experience.)
This book, though, didn't make me appreciate the assignment. First, the book is largely a survey. That's not overly surprising; it's listed as an introduction. However, it feels like a collection of statements that are intended -- if you're interested -- to follow the footnotes to the source of those statements. In most cases, because of this approach, I felt little passion from Howard about what he thought. In almost every situation, Howard seemed to take a slightly conservative middle-ground view. But his arguments were never made with much strength; as if he felt arguing too strenuously might make him seem biased.
In my reading, I want to interact with a text. That often means the author needs to make an argument; I can then assent, disagree, take part and leave the rest, etc. I want to push against the author, or push with the author. That was not possible often in Howard's work.
All that said, there is a lot of good information in this book, and it provides a jumping-off point for the new Old Testament reader who wants an introduction to the issues related to Old Testament scholarship.
This book, though, didn't make me appreciate the assignment. First, the book is largely a survey. That's not overly surprising; it's listed as an introduction. However, it feels like a collection of statements that are intended -- if you're interested -- to follow the footnotes to the source of those statements. In most cases, because of this approach, I felt little passion from Howard about what he thought. In almost every situation, Howard seemed to take a slightly conservative middle-ground view. But his arguments were never made with much strength; as if he felt arguing too strenuously might make him seem biased.
In my reading, I want to interact with a text. That often means the author needs to make an argument; I can then assent, disagree, take part and leave the rest, etc. I want to push against the author, or push with the author. That was not possible often in Howard's work.
All that said, there is a lot of good information in this book, and it provides a jumping-off point for the new Old Testament reader who wants an introduction to the issues related to Old Testament scholarship.
December 7, 2010
Lacked the excitement and big picture compared to many other books on the same topics.
A lot to learn from a smart man, but not from a great writer.
It is well organized and gives a lot of background on authors, dates, and arguments about different books. It is a good introduction and I learned a lot, but would be better supplemented with books like "Through New Eyes" and "A House for My Name."
Glad I read it, but probably not something I'll pick up again.
A lot to learn from a smart man, but not from a great writer.
It is well organized and gives a lot of background on authors, dates, and arguments about different books. It is a good introduction and I learned a lot, but would be better supplemented with books like "Through New Eyes" and "A House for My Name."
Glad I read it, but probably not something I'll pick up again.
December 23, 2015
The title of the book is a little deceiving. It is far more than a introduction to the OT Historical books. This book has some fantastic material on hermeneutics and how to study not only the historical books, but also the entire OT. Howard does a great job of outlining the theological issues within each historical book and explaining them. A great book!
August 10, 2011
Not bad. Commentaries on each book are helpful and the section explaining historical narrative is great.
April 18, 2015
Required reading, informative
March 28, 2015
Very helpful overview
December 21, 2015
School textbook material but good nonetheless. If you are looking to expand your knowledge of the OT historical books you'll find this very readable.
November 26, 2015
Good information, but a bit on the "respectable academic" end of the spectrum.
November 28, 2015
Good foundation
Good foundation for deeper study. I read this book for an Old Testament Historical Books, this book has given me a good foundation.
Good foundation for deeper study. I read this book for an Old Testament Historical Books, this book has given me a good foundation.
December 16, 2015
Good succinct overview that is a great starting point.
May 9, 2016
This book was good, not great. Extremely readable, well-researched, although not perfect and I didn't completely agree with his take on each book but always appreciated his position.
May 21, 2022
Helpful introduction navigating different critical/textual views from a conservative perspective.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews