Introducing the Old Testament

"This rich multidimensional study will be the state-of-the-art introduction to the Old Testament for some time to come. In addition to a book-by-book introduction, this valuable resource by these two accomplished scholars includes much useful information concerning ancient Near Eastern history, geography, and cultural context and concerning alternative theological interpretations, canon, and studies of personalities. This information-packed book is made even more attractive by insightful artwork and witty links to contemporary life. The authors note that one does not 'read' a library but 'study' it. That is what they do with the library of the Old Testament: they study it. And they invite the reader to study it with them as they guide, instruct, and persuade."

"In Introducing the Old Testament, Jacobson and Chan offer an excellent resource for studying and teaching the Old Testament. Drawing on their years of experience as educators, the authors have clearly thought about diverse audiences when writing this book. The book's organization is clear and easy to follow, focusing especially on historical, literary, and theological themes in the Old Testament. In addition to its insightful scholarship, Introducing the Old Testament includes many maps, images, artistic pieces, and online resources that assist and enhance biblical study. Overall, Jacobson and Chan provide a wealth of knowledge in this critical, creative, and visually stimulating volume."

"This is a textbook written by top-notch scholars who are also extraordinary teachers. Their love of Old Testament study and their commitment to student learning shine through in every chapter. With an affable voice, good humor, and rigorous scholarship, the book offers hospitality to all students, whether they come to the Old Testament classroom with enthusiasm, reluctance, or indifference. Jacobson and Chan approach their subject with joy and humility rather than dogmatism, always keeping the biblical text and its world at the center of their analysis. I can't wait to use this book in my seminary courses!"

"Choosing textbooks for teaching introductory courses on the Old Testament is one of the more important and difficult pedagogical decisions, given the sheer scope of the Old Testament material and the range of hermeneutical and theological topics. Jacobson and Chan have written a resource that is both thorough and accessible for students from a wide range of theological backgrounds."

"In this impressive volume, Jacobson and Chan have sought to present readers with something that is 'beautiful, well organized, and easy to use.' They (and Baker Academic) have succeeded admirably on all of these fronts and yet still more: here is an engagement of the Old Testament that pays equal attention to its theological, literary, and historical depths, that is accompanied by numerous readerly helps, and that is handsomely illustrated and spiritedly written to boot. I predict this introduction, unlike so many others presently on the market, will have a very long shelf life, with enduring usefulness in a wide range of classroom settings."

"Jacobson and Chan have produced an attractive and accessible textbook that is well-grounded in contemporary scholarship. They are evenhanded and irenic in their approach, offering balanced discussions of major issues in Old Testament interpretation. Moreover, they accomplish this with a light and humorous touch. Students will appreciate this text!"