http://www.amazon.com/
(1) Preliminary perusal, (2) Promotional comments on the book below and (3) An Outline.
Also, a quick review of the comments at the website are recognizably positive. The man whom I trust below—for a recommendation—is the Mr. (Rev. Dr. Prof.) Willem A. Van Gemeren. Less so for Mr. (Rev. Dr. Prof.) Tremper Longman, but that's for another day. My preliminary perusal and response: CD-ROM, 528-pages, hardbound, glossy pages, many excellent pictures and sidebars, well-known scholars in the bibliographies (per chapter), and recognizably conservative. In the Preface, they state this is “clearly on a college level” with service “to induction to seminary level studies.” It may well serve, perhaps, for an adult parish course. However, as an evangelical affair, we expect some short-comings in theology (much more will be interrogated, God willing), Confessional Churchmanship, and liturgy; but, foundationally, it may be serviceable; we also anticipate Premillenialism here and there. We will know in the days to come, God enabling. Also, we believe an adult parish program should be run like a college classroom: lecture, student engagement, tests and perhaps papers; if one doesn’t like it, don’t take it; or, for the slothful, offer a class called “Lectures for Auditors Who Refuse to Work.” This could be crafted for two semesters, OT Intro 1 and OT Intro II. With some re-working, this could also be crafted for a high school or collegiate-level Sunday School course. But, with all the mush on “formation” (the new term of art these days), we will keep expectations low. But, we advocate for putting the word “School” back into it. Otherwise, just be honest and call it "Sunday Non-School."
Here are some promotional comments followed by an outline.
"Written from an Evangelical point of view, the critical scholarship that undergirds this work can certainly serve the needs and interests of a much broader audience. . . . This volume can be read by those who are looking for a sound yet introductory treatment of the biblical material."--Dianne Bergant, CSA, The Bible Today
"The authors are commended for providing their readers with a lucid survey of the Old Testament. The illustrations, sidebars, glossary, and study questions open up the relevance of the biblical text both in its ancient context and in our modern situation. A very useful volume."- William A. Van Gemeren, Trinity International University
"Arnold and Beyer have produced an exciting new survey of the Old Testament with the college student specifically in mind. They have masterfully designed their work with text and graphics in a way that will not only grip the student's attention but will guide students through the material with their expert touch. I enthusiastically recommend this volume to you."--Tremper Longman III, Westmont College
About the Author
Bill T. Arnold (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Encountering the Book of Genesis, Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax, and a commentary on 1 and 2 Samuel. Bryan E. Beyer (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is professor of Old Testament at Columbia International University Seminary and School of Missions. He is the author of Encountering the Book of Isaiah and coeditor (with Bill Arnold) of Readings from the Ancient Near East.
Contents
1. What is the Old Testament and Why Study It?
2. Where and When Did the Events of the Old Testament Take Place?
Part 1
Encountering the Pentateuch
3. Introduction to the Pentateuch: the Birth of God’s People
4. Genesis 1-11: The Prelude to Israel
5. Genesis 12-50: The Patriarchs: Ancestors of Israel’s Faith
6. Exodus: A Miraculous Escape
7. Leviticus: Instructions for Holy Living
8. Numbers: Failure in the Desert
9. Deuteronomy: Restoring the Covenant
Part 2
Encountering the Historical Books
10. Introduction to the Historical Books: The History of Israel’s Nationhood
11. Joshua: Conquest and Division
12. Judges and Ruth: Israel’s Moral Crisis
13. I Samuel: God Grants a King
14. 2 Samuel: David’s Reign
15. I Kings: The Glory of Solomon and the Beginning of the End
16. 2 Kings: The End of National Israel
17. 1 & 2 Chronicles: A Look Back
18. Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther: A Time to Rebuild
Part 3
Encountering the Poetical Books
19. Introduction to the Poetical Books: The Literature of God’s People
20. Job: One Man’s Search for Justice
21. Psalms: The Songbook of Ancient Israel
22. Proverbs: Advice on Living in God’s World
23. Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs: Israelite Faith in Everyday Life
Part 4
Encountering the Prophets
24. Introduction to the Prophets: Voices of God’s Servants
25. Isaiah 1-39: Prophet of Judah’s Royal Court
26. Isaiah 40-66: Great Days Are Coming!
27. Jeremiah 1-20: Struggling with God’s Call
28. Jeremiah 21-52 and Lamentations: Dealing with Disaster
29. Ezekiel 1-24: Rough Days are Coming!
30. Ezekiel 25-48: God’s Planning an Exciting Future!
31. Daniel: The Kingdom of God—Now and Forever
32. Hosea, Joel, and Amos: A Call for Repentance and Promise for Blessing
33. Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah: God’s Plan for the Nations
34. Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi: Rebuilding a People
Epilogue
Glossary
Notes
Subject Index
Scripture Index
Name Index
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