Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament (Second Edition)

by William Sanford LaSor; David A. Hubbard; Frederic Bush

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1996

Overview

Since its initial publication in 1982, Old Testament Survey has served as the standard textbook on the background, content, literary quality, and message of the Old Testament. The second edition of this excellent work has been thoroughly revised and updated to take into account new research in the field of Old Testament studies. The book now also includes important new contributions from six leading biblical studies scholars: Leslie C. Allen, James R. Battenfield, John E. Hartley, Robert L. Hubbard, Jr., John E. McKenna, and William B. Nelson, Jr.

Reflecting the best of evangelical scholarship, Old Testament Survey provides a comprehensive study of the nature and contents of each of the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and also considers the historical data and theological themes relevant to the Hebrew Scriptures. Part 1 covers the five books of the Pentateuch. Part 2 studies the books of the Prophets, with special consideration given to the birth and history of Israel’s monarchy, the role of prophets and prophecy, and the nature of Hebrew poetry. Part 3 examines the Writings, including a special study of wisdom literature in general.

Part 4, which has been relocated from the front of the book to the back, contains studies of various background themes necessary for understanding the Old Testament:

• The Authority of the Old Testament for Christians

• Revelation and Inspiration

• The Concept of Canon

• Formation of the Old Testament

• Geography

• The Chronological Puzzle

• Archaeology

• Messianic Prophecy

Other significant features of this edition include the incorporation throughout of data from recent archaeological research and the use of additional charts, illustrations, and maps. The authors have also included—in the text and in the endnotes and bibliographies—material as current as possible, especially in those instances where new interpretive options have arisen or where the scholarly consensus has changed. All of the revisions and enhancements undertaken in this volume will make Old Testament Survey even more serviceable for college and seminary use as well as for study by scholars, pastors, and interested lay readers.

Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, Gold Medallion award for Texts (1983)

Contents

Top Highlights

“First, the biblical sources and various streams of tradition concur that Moses wrote narrative, legislative, and poetic literature.” (Page 9)

“As this passage reveals, this promise is threefold. It consists of land, of nationhood, and of blessing.” (Page 5)

“Thus the Ten Commandments were never intended to institute a system of legal observances by which one could earn God’s acceptance. Rather they are the stipulations of a covenant relationship anchored in grace.” (Page 75)

“The most striking resemblances between Mesopotamian literature and the primeval prologue occur in accounts of the Flood.” (Page 19)

“However, the prophetic and religious purposes of the book have prompted a stylizing of the materials to put across major theological lessons for God’s people: (1) the land is a gift of Yahweh’s covenant grace; (2) that gift embraces the whole land and provides living space for every Israelite tribe and clan; (3) the gift of the land is conditional on Israel’s faithfulness to Yahweh and her rejection of Canaanite religious and social practices.” (Page 145)

Praise for the Print Edition

An eminently readable and valuable work that will surely be the standard Old Testament survey text for years to come. . . The plan of the book is a teacher’s and student’s delight.

—Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

A major contribution to modern conservative Christian literature. . . This volume will repay close study and merits interaction from both conservative and critical scholarly circles.

—Bibliotheca Sacra

The clarity and nature of presentation reveal a commendable sensitivity toward the student. . . To bypass the wealth of information and learning aids incorporated in this work would be lamentable indeed.

—Hebrew Studies

An effective presentation of Old Testament information for beginning students of the Bible.

—Religious Studies Review

Based on format, visual qualities, and attention to critical issues and archaeology, this is the most useful textbook for advanced conservative students.

—Biblical Archaeologist

Product Details

• Title: Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament
• Authors: William Sanford LaSor, David Allan Hubbard, and Frederic William Bush
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1996
• Pages: 877

About the Authors

William Sanford LaSor (1911–1991) was professor emeritus of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

David Allan Hubbard (1928–1996) was president emeritus and professor emeritus of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Frederic William Bush is the D. Wilson Moore Professor Emeritus of Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.