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Old Testament Handbook
Immerse yourself in the Old Testament Handbook , an elegant, full-color Bible handbook that includes robust summary content, charts, maps, word studies, illustrations, and more for every Old Testament book of the Bible. Constructed with high-quality cloth cover materials and a sewn binding, the Old Testament Handbook is designed to last a lifetime as a valuable companion resource for Bible study, teaching, and ongoing discipleship. FEATURES The Old Testament Handbook features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.
- GenresNonfictionOld Testament
248 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 24, 2023
Here’s a lovely, and I might say fun, new resource. I’m a sucker for books with this kind of hardback (Smyth-sewn) and lavish, colorful insides about the Bible. To be honest, this is one of the nicest books of its type that I have seen in a while.
This book gives us materials on every book of the Old Testament. Each book gets an Introduction page that carries an impressive synopsis of typical introductory issues. What follows is a collection of charts chosen to bring that particular book to life. They are well chosen and well illustrate the uniqueness of that book. All of them pop with eye appeal as well.
There’s little you could criticize here. Maybe one book is a little better served than another. Maybe something you wish was covered isn’t, but this type of book must be subjective in its choosing even if it strikes you as arbitrary. Only one chart in the book failed in my opinion. The one called “The Route of the Exodus” should have been labeled “We Have No Earthly Idea”.
Still, on any criteria this book is a winner. You could literally do hours of worthwhile study with it. I hear a companion volume on the New Testament is in the pipeline. Sign me up!
For a gift or a resource for study—you just can’t lose here.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This book gives us materials on every book of the Old Testament. Each book gets an Introduction page that carries an impressive synopsis of typical introductory issues. What follows is a collection of charts chosen to bring that particular book to life. They are well chosen and well illustrate the uniqueness of that book. All of them pop with eye appeal as well.
There’s little you could criticize here. Maybe one book is a little better served than another. Maybe something you wish was covered isn’t, but this type of book must be subjective in its choosing even if it strikes you as arbitrary. Only one chart in the book failed in my opinion. The one called “The Route of the Exodus” should have been labeled “We Have No Earthly Idea”.
Still, on any criteria this book is a winner. You could literally do hours of worthwhile study with it. I hear a companion volume on the New Testament is in the pipeline. Sign me up!
For a gift or a resource for study—you just can’t lose here.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 29, 2023
I always enjoy doing book reviews for scripture resources and I'm particularly happy to be sharing The Old Testament Handbook, your companion for deeper study and display. This study companion is rich in both study and physical materials. With it, you'll be able to navigate the mysteries of Old Testament narratives as you grow in your knowledge of God’s faithfulness.
This full-color Bible handbook includes robust summary content, charts, maps, word studies, illustrations, and more for every book of the Old Testament. It's constructed with high quality cloth cover materials and a sewn binding, the Old Testament Handbook is designed to last a lifetime as a valuable companion resource for Bible study, teaching, and ongoing discipleship.
The Old Testament Handbook by Holman Bible Publishers features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible, which captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.
Some of the features include:
- High-quality, foil-stamped cloth cover materials and Smyth-sewn binding meant to last a lifetime,
- Elegant full-color interior design, including maps, charts, illustrations, and other visual helps for every book of the Old Testament,
- More than 75 in-depth word studies of key words found in each Old Testament book, and
- Ribbon marker for easy referencing between pages during study, teaching, or sharing.
I found the charts, maps, word studies, and other resources to be extremely helpful in understanding the main points of each book. For example, for the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, there are charts that describe the enemies of David, the differences between King Saul and King David, the difference giants from the Bible, and an outline of Samuel's life. I could go on, because in just this one book, there are quite a few resources. And don't even get me started on the word studies. I'm a nerd for a good word study.
Just in time for gift-giving, you can purchase your own copy of The Old Testament Handbook.
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
#OldTestamentHandbookMIN #theoldtestamenthandbook #christianstandardbible #CSB #holmanhandbookseries #holmanhandbook #holmanbibles #othandbook @christianstandardbible @bhpub
This full-color Bible handbook includes robust summary content, charts, maps, word studies, illustrations, and more for every book of the Old Testament. It's constructed with high quality cloth cover materials and a sewn binding, the Old Testament Handbook is designed to last a lifetime as a valuable companion resource for Bible study, teaching, and ongoing discipleship.
The Old Testament Handbook by Holman Bible Publishers features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible, which captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.
Some of the features include:
- High-quality, foil-stamped cloth cover materials and Smyth-sewn binding meant to last a lifetime,
- Elegant full-color interior design, including maps, charts, illustrations, and other visual helps for every book of the Old Testament,
- More than 75 in-depth word studies of key words found in each Old Testament book, and
- Ribbon marker for easy referencing between pages during study, teaching, or sharing.
I found the charts, maps, word studies, and other resources to be extremely helpful in understanding the main points of each book. For example, for the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, there are charts that describe the enemies of David, the differences between King Saul and King David, the difference giants from the Bible, and an outline of Samuel's life. I could go on, because in just this one book, there are quite a few resources. And don't even get me started on the word studies. I'm a nerd for a good word study.
Just in time for gift-giving, you can purchase your own copy of The Old Testament Handbook.
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
#OldTestamentHandbookMIN #theoldtestamenthandbook #christianstandardbible #CSB #holmanhandbookseries #holmanhandbook #holmanbibles #othandbook @christianstandardbible @bhpub
December 5, 2023
First of all, I just have to say that this is a beautiful book to behold. With its foil-stamped charcoal-colored cloth-over-board cover, it is a pleasure to hold in my hands! Not kidding...it's gorgeous! Even the pages with their thickness and buttery softness testify to the care that went into the making of this beauty. Many of the infographics within the book are worthy to be put in a frame and hung on your wall...but please don't.
If you are a book lover, as I am, the quality of the material matters for those books that you retain for your reference bookshelves. This book was put together with the intent of repeated use over the years.
There are so many features within this Handbook to love...
It begins with a letter from the publisher that contains the reason this book is so aesthetically pleasing to the senses. It has much to do with how the craftsmen and artisans of the Old Testament "were instructed to complete their tasks for the combined effect of both glory and beauty." Seriously, buy the book and read the intro for yourself.
It goes on to give an introduction to the whole of the Old Testament as God's timely and inspired word as it explains the composition and canon of the Old Testament, the making of the Old Testament, God's Spirit in the guiding of the process, the reception of the Old Testament and why our canon is on target.
Then comes the meat of the book... Each book begins with a genre indicator, a one-sentence summary, a book introduction, and an outline. Then follows various word studies, maps, and timelines where pertinent to each book.
I really appreciate the charts and tables connecting Christ and key themes across Scripture as well as the infographics about key figures and events.
If you are looking for a book to help you in your understanding of the Old Testament as you read through your Bible...or even to give you all the necessary context as you begin studying a book of the Old Testament this would be a great tool to have on your bookshelf. I highly recommend this handbook.
Disclaimer: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
If you are a book lover, as I am, the quality of the material matters for those books that you retain for your reference bookshelves. This book was put together with the intent of repeated use over the years.
There are so many features within this Handbook to love...
It begins with a letter from the publisher that contains the reason this book is so aesthetically pleasing to the senses. It has much to do with how the craftsmen and artisans of the Old Testament "were instructed to complete their tasks for the combined effect of both glory and beauty." Seriously, buy the book and read the intro for yourself.
It goes on to give an introduction to the whole of the Old Testament as God's timely and inspired word as it explains the composition and canon of the Old Testament, the making of the Old Testament, God's Spirit in the guiding of the process, the reception of the Old Testament and why our canon is on target.
Then comes the meat of the book... Each book begins with a genre indicator, a one-sentence summary, a book introduction, and an outline. Then follows various word studies, maps, and timelines where pertinent to each book.
I really appreciate the charts and tables connecting Christ and key themes across Scripture as well as the infographics about key figures and events.
If you are looking for a book to help you in your understanding of the Old Testament as you read through your Bible...or even to give you all the necessary context as you begin studying a book of the Old Testament this would be a great tool to have on your bookshelf. I highly recommend this handbook.
Disclaimer: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
September 30, 2023
The Old Testament Handbook seems like a great book to help study the Old Testament. I've only been able to flip through most of it and slowly read the section/chapter on Isaiah (I'm currently reading that book, so thought it was a good place to start with this handbook). It's been really enjoyable and I can see myself using this handbook for the rest of the OT.
There are so many cool features to this handbook and I want to highlight some of them:
~Introductions for the books of the OT - which contain information on the author, background, message and purpose, summary, and structure.
~Outlines for the books, which I find helpful to give you a quick look at what happens in each book.
~Timelines and Charts, which I find helpful for me to visualize things better and keep things in order.
~Word Study - I love this section of each book. It goes in-depth on a few Hebrew words from the book. It is interesting to learn the meaning to certain words. I think this might be one of my favorite sections of the handbook.
It seems to be well made with a foil-stamped cloth cover. It lays flat and has a ribbon which makes it easy to keep your spot.
All in all, I'm really enjoying this handbook so far. I'm excited about the New Testament Handbook, which looks like it will be available Spring 2024. I recommend this if you are looking for an easy to read/follow handbook to help with studying the Old Testament.
*Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.*
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
There are so many cool features to this handbook and I want to highlight some of them:
~Introductions for the books of the OT - which contain information on the author, background, message and purpose, summary, and structure.
~Outlines for the books, which I find helpful to give you a quick look at what happens in each book.
~Timelines and Charts, which I find helpful for me to visualize things better and keep things in order.
~Word Study - I love this section of each book. It goes in-depth on a few Hebrew words from the book. It is interesting to learn the meaning to certain words. I think this might be one of my favorite sections of the handbook.
It seems to be well made with a foil-stamped cloth cover. It lays flat and has a ribbon which makes it easy to keep your spot.
All in all, I'm really enjoying this handbook so far. I'm excited about the New Testament Handbook, which looks like it will be available Spring 2024. I recommend this if you are looking for an easy to read/follow handbook to help with studying the Old Testament.
*Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.*
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
November 30, 2023
The Old Testament Handbook is a high quality, well made book that any Bible-believing bibliophile would love to have in their collection. As a public librarian, I've seen too many poorly bound titles last only a handful of check outs before needing repair (looking at you IDW trade paperback graphic novels), but B&H's Old Testament Handbook features a durable-looking Smyth-sewn binding and an elegant, minimalist cover design and treatment. The interior of the book has a modern design with appealing full color graphics and charts, along with eye catching abstract nature photography utilized in chapter headings and other details. The content is accessible and at under 250 pages, is less intimidating than more robust Bible study resources.
Almost every Old Testament book is featured with overview similar to what you may see in a study Bible, along with an outline, key words, and various charts or visualizations related to that specific book. The attractive way information is presented reminds me of DK's award-winning non-fiction books. My favorite part are the key word studies that highlight and explain original Hebrew words used in Biblical text. My only gripe with the handbook is that it lumps all twelve of the "Minor Prophet" books together into one chapter. My pastor has been teaching our midweek Bible study on the minor prophets' books this year (we've covered Hosea to Nahum so far) and it's been such a deep dive learning more about them ... I feel like they definitely should have highlighted the last twelve Old Testament books individually. Lastly, while I wasn't very familiar with the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation which this handbook uses when quoting Scripture, so far I have not come across anything that seemed inaccurate or out of place. While it won't take the place of a good Bible commentary, it is a beautifully crafted resource for those who want to delve a bit deeper beyond their daily Bible readings.
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. A positive review was not required.]
Almost every Old Testament book is featured with overview similar to what you may see in a study Bible, along with an outline, key words, and various charts or visualizations related to that specific book. The attractive way information is presented reminds me of DK's award-winning non-fiction books. My favorite part are the key word studies that highlight and explain original Hebrew words used in Biblical text. My only gripe with the handbook is that it lumps all twelve of the "Minor Prophet" books together into one chapter. My pastor has been teaching our midweek Bible study on the minor prophets' books this year (we've covered Hosea to Nahum so far) and it's been such a deep dive learning more about them ... I feel like they definitely should have highlighted the last twelve Old Testament books individually. Lastly, while I wasn't very familiar with the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation which this handbook uses when quoting Scripture, so far I have not come across anything that seemed inaccurate or out of place. While it won't take the place of a good Bible commentary, it is a beautifully crafted resource for those who want to delve a bit deeper beyond their daily Bible readings.
[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. A positive review was not required.]
September 19, 2023
“The Old Testament Handbook” is a beautifully crafted resource for anyone looking to study the Old Testament. In addition to the rich content, this hardback book has a beautiful design, with a textured charcoal cloth cover and elegant debossed title in gold foil. And having two attached ribbon bookmarks is always a plus.
I love the comprehensive approach to each book of the Old Testament. It provides detailed introductions and insights into the authorship, historical background, and the primary message and purpose of each book. It also includes maps, illustrations, and word studies that make stories and events come to life. The word study sections, which delve into pronunciations and translations of words and names as well as their geographical and historical context, are my favorite feature.
This handbook is to be used alongside my Bible (it doesn’t contain the Old Testament text) and serves as a wonderful visual guide through my Scripture studies.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to the Old Testament that goes beyond the surface, this beautiful handbook is a worthy addition to your library.
Many thanks too Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of this product for this review. Opinions are 100% mine and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
#OldTestamentHandbookMIN #theoldtestamenthandbook #christianstandardbible #CSB #holmanhandbookseries #holmanhandbook #holmanbibles #othandbook @christianstandardbible @bhpub
I love the comprehensive approach to each book of the Old Testament. It provides detailed introductions and insights into the authorship, historical background, and the primary message and purpose of each book. It also includes maps, illustrations, and word studies that make stories and events come to life. The word study sections, which delve into pronunciations and translations of words and names as well as their geographical and historical context, are my favorite feature.
This handbook is to be used alongside my Bible (it doesn’t contain the Old Testament text) and serves as a wonderful visual guide through my Scripture studies.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to the Old Testament that goes beyond the surface, this beautiful handbook is a worthy addition to your library.
Many thanks too Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of this product for this review. Opinions are 100% mine and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
#OldTestamentHandbookMIN #theoldtestamenthandbook #christianstandardbible #CSB #holmanhandbookseries #holmanhandbook #holmanbibles #othandbook @christianstandardbible @bhpub
October 1, 2023
This is a new beautiful resources you will want to own, The Old Testament Handbook by Holman Reference Staff. The one I received is hard-cover twill charcoal cover and inside it is full of beautiful charts, graphics, quotes, timelines.
At the beginning of the book is an introduction of what the Old Testament is and where it came from, so you have a basic understanding before you move into each of the Old Testament book summaries.
This resource provides an overview of the Old Testament books, which include a short summary, introduction, outline, genre, word studies, maps, timelines, charts, key themes, info-graphics about key figures and events, and key verses and quotes.
This book would be excellent used along with a Bible Study to help with a deeper study or to read through alone to give an overview understanding of the Old Testament. It would also make a great table book to leave out for guests to look through while they visit. My teenager and tween aged children, also enjoy this book, the graphics and easy to read text is what they said.
At the beginning of the book is an introduction of what the Old Testament is and where it came from, so you have a basic understanding before you move into each of the Old Testament book summaries.
This resource provides an overview of the Old Testament books, which include a short summary, introduction, outline, genre, word studies, maps, timelines, charts, key themes, info-graphics about key figures and events, and key verses and quotes.
This book would be excellent used along with a Bible Study to help with a deeper study or to read through alone to give an overview understanding of the Old Testament. It would also make a great table book to leave out for guests to look through while they visit. My teenager and tween aged children, also enjoy this book, the graphics and easy to read text is what they said.
October 3, 2023
I was impressed with the Old Testament Handbook. It has quite a bit of resources that I found interesting. Each book from the Biblical Old Testament includes:
Introduction with who authored the book, background information, message, summary and structure
Outline
Word Study
Timeline
Charts, Graphs, Illustrations, and Maps
Comparisons
Seeing Jesus
Lives of those features in each book
And so much more.
This handbook will be one that I will be keeping it on my nightstand so I can go back to it again and again.
I am giving Old Testament Handbook five plus stars. I highly recommend it for those who want to dive into the Old Testament of the Bible more in depth. It would make a perfect gift.
I received a hard cover copy of Old Testament Handbook from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Introduction with who authored the book, background information, message, summary and structure
Outline
Word Study
Timeline
Charts, Graphs, Illustrations, and Maps
Comparisons
Seeing Jesus
Lives of those features in each book
And so much more.
This handbook will be one that I will be keeping it on my nightstand so I can go back to it again and again.
I am giving Old Testament Handbook five plus stars. I highly recommend it for those who want to dive into the Old Testament of the Bible more in depth. It would make a perfect gift.
I received a hard cover copy of Old Testament Handbook from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
December 2, 2023
I love the word studies. Love the pictures. I especially love the pages with the charts that show how the Old Testament points to Jesus. This is one sexy Bible handbook!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews