As a newer Christian I found this book extremely helpful for my personal life. Having moved on from a private Christian institution to a public institution since I read it, it is not something I would carry in my current library. Highly recommend for a private institution and interested individuals.

This is a painstaking, comprehensive work produced with rigorous scholarship. That said, we cannot recommend it due to the authors' liberal views of biblical authorship (albeit addressed and explained). For starters: The New Testament clearly attributes authorship of the Five Books of Moses, the Torah, to Moses, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit--and in several places.

Such a good book I need this in print so I can highlight and write and do my thing! It has so much information. Theres Maps and charts then the author just funny. A great text all around. A must pick up for anyone who really wants to know your bible!

Robert Hubbard and J. Andrew Dearman bring deades of schdary study and classroom experience to bear as they introduce readers to the context, composition and message of the Old Testament. Each chapter orients readers to the Old Testament books or book under consideration, outlining historical and cultural background, literary features, main characters, and structure. Throughout these discussions of the Torah, the historical books, the prophets, and poetry Hubbard and Deraman also identify and trace key theological themes. Replete with maps, illustrations, sidebars, discussion questions, and suggestions for further reading.

This book is a great introduction and resource for the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, written by diligent scholars who are easy to read, clear and concise in their writing. The charts, tables and illustrations are well done, and also the questions and bibliography at the end of each chapter. The authors' sense of humor comes through in the writing and adds to this reader's enjoyment of the text.

This book is a substantial work in its field and will benefit scholars and students for years to come.