Best of
Old-Testament

2016

The Exodus You Almost Passed Over


David Fohrman - 2016
    It seems like something we already know. But do we? Questions haunt the careful reader. Among them: Doesn't the name Passover seem a bit strange? Why not just call it Freedom Day, or Independence Day? And did the Exodus have to be so complicated? Couldn't an All-Powerful deity have teleported the Israelites out of Egypt and spared everyone the arduous process of the Ten Plagues? Then there's the uncomfortable parts of the Exodus: Why, exactly, did God have to harden Pharaoh's heart? Was that really fair? In this book, Rabbi Fohrman invites us to look at the Exodus story with fresh eyes - to join him, as it were, on a guided adventure, a close reading of the ancient Biblical text. In so doing, Rabbi Fohrman reveals a side of the Exodus story that illuminates not just our past, but our future, and tells not only of our freedom, but of our destiny. This book will uncover secrets that lay hidden in this ancient and sacred saga; it tells the tale of the Exodus you thought you knew.

The Pentateuch: ESV Reader's Bible, Volume I


Anonymous - 2016
    Constructed with materials carefully selected to reflect the beauty of God’s Word, the ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set is a unique collection designed for those desiring a cleaner, simpler Bible-reading experience. Printed on European book paper with smyth-sewn binding and packaged in an elegant slipcase, this edition features single column text that is free of all verse numbers, chapter numbers, and footnotes, as well as most section headings—resulting in a unique Bible-reading experience that helps readers encounter and delight in the beauty of God’s Word.The Pentateuch: ESV Reader's Bible, Volume IHistorical Books: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IIPoetry: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IIIProphets: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IVGospels & Acts: ESV Reader's Bible Volume VEpistles & Revelation: ESV Reader's Bible Volume VIESV Reader's Bible, Six-Volume Set

Historical Books: ESV Reader's Bible Volume II


Anonymous - 2016
    Constructed with materials carefully selected to reflect the beauty of God’s Word, the ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set is a unique collection designed for those desiring a cleaner, simpler Bible-reading experience. Printed on European book paper with smyth-sewn binding and packaged in an elegant slipcase, this edition features single column text that is free of all verse numbers, chapter numbers, and footnotes, as well as most section headings—resulting in a unique Bible-reading experience that helps readers encounter and delight in the beauty of God’s Word.The Pentateuch: ESV Reader's Bible, Volume IHistorical Books: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IIPoetry: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IIIProphets: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IVGospels & Acts: ESV Reader's Bible Volume VEpistles & Revelation: ESV Reader's Bible Volume VIESV Reader's Bible, Six-Volume Set

Essays on Ethics: A Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible


Jonathan Sacks - 2016
    Believing the Hebrew Bible to be the ultimate blueprint for Western morality, Rabbi Sacks embarks upon an ethical exploration of the weekly Torah portion, uncovering its message of truth and justice, dignity and compassion, forgiveness and love. "

Poetry: ESV Reader's Bible Volume III


Anonymous - 2016
    Constructed with materials carefully selected to reflect the beauty of God’s Word, the ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set is a unique collection designed for those desiring a cleaner, simpler Bible-reading experience. Printed on European book paper with smyth-sewn binding and packaged in an elegant slipcase, this edition features single column text that is free of all verse numbers, chapter numbers, and footnotes, as well as most section headings—resulting in a unique Bible-reading experience that helps readers encounter and delight in the beauty of God’s Word.The Pentateuch: ESV Reader's Bible, Volume IHistorical Books: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IIPoetry: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IIIProphets: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IVGospels & Acts: ESV Reader's Bible Volume VEpistles & Revelation: ESV Reader's Bible Volume VIESV Reader's Bible, Six-Volume Set

Psalms by the Day: A New Devotional Translation


J. Alec Motyer - 2016
    Day by day you will read freshly translated passages from the Psalms and have an opportunity to explore the passage further through the author's notes and devotional comments.

Prophets: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IV


Anonymous - 2016
    Constructed with materials carefully selected to reflect the beauty of God’s Word, the ESV Reader’s Bible, Six-Volume Set is a unique collection designed for those desiring a cleaner, simpler Bible-reading experience. Printed on European book paper with smyth-sewn binding and packaged in an elegant slipcase, this edition features single column text that is free of all verse numbers, chapter numbers, and footnotes, as well as most section headings—resulting in a unique Bible-reading experience that helps readers encounter and delight in the beauty of God’s Word.The Pentateuch: ESV Reader's Bible, Volume IHistorical Books: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IIPoetry: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IIIProphets: ESV Reader's Bible Volume IVGospels & Acts: ESV Reader's Bible Volume VEpistles & Revelation: ESV Reader's Bible Volume VIESV Reader's Bible, Six-Volume Set

Exodus for You


Tim Chester - 2016
     With his trademark Christ-centered clarity, Tim Chester walks readers through Exodus, making its great themes thrillingly clear to those new to the book, and unearthing wonderful new surprises for those familiar with it. You can read through this book as a normal book]] work through it as part of your daily Bible-reading routine using the questions for reflection at the end of each chapter]] or use it to help you teach this letter, whether in small groups or from the pulpit.

A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised


Miles V. Van PeltMichael G. McKelvey - 2016
    Read the Old Testament from a biblical-theological perspective.Featuring contributions from thirteen respected evangelical scholars, this gospel-centered introduction to the Old Testament will help anyone who teaches or studies Scripture to better see the initial outworking of God's plan to redeem the world through Jesus Christ.

A Theology in Outline: Can These Bones Live?


Robert W. Jenson - 2016
    Jenson at Princeton University in the spring of 2008. Based on a series of twenty-three course lectures, it offers a concise and accessible overview of Christian theology while retaining the atmosphere of Jenson's classroom. Much as does Jenson's Systematic Theology, A Theology in Outline treats a standard sequence of doctrines in Christian theology--God, Trinity, creation, humanity, sin, salvation, church, among others. However, its organizing principle and leitmotiv are less traditional. Reflecting his recent interest in theological interpretation of scripture, Jenson frames the whole of Christian theology as a response to the question posed to the prophet Ezekiel: "Son of man, can these bones live?" For Jenson, to ask this question is to ask whether Christian theology itself is a pile of dead bones. Can the story that God lives with his people be told today? From first to last the chapters of this book proceed under the impelling pressure of this question. They thus comprise a single sequence of illustrative conversations for the purpose of introducing beginners to Christian theology.

The Vision of All: Twenty-five Lectures on Isaiah in Nephi’s Record


Joseph M. Spencer - 2016
    Arguing that Isaiah lies at the very heart of Nephi’s project, Spencer insists on demystifying the writings of Isaiah while nonetheless refusing to pretend that Isaiah is in any way easy to grasp. Presented as a series of down-to-earth lectures, The Vision of All outlines a comprehensive answer to the question of why Nephi was interested in Isaiah in the first place. Along the way, the book presents both a general approach to reading Isaiah in the Book of Mormon and a set of specific tactics for making sense of Isaiah's writings. For anyone interested in understanding what Isaiah is doing in the Book of Mormon, this is the place to start.

The Message of the Twelve: Hearing the Voice of the Minor Prophets


Richard Alan Fuhr Jr. - 2016
    The Old Testament prophets courageously confronted the sinfulness and idolatry of God’s people and called for repentance. They offered reminders of Yahweh’s sovereignty over the nations in times of international crisis, painting unforgettable images of God in the process. They warned of catastrophic judgment but also pointed to the future hope of Messiah’s kingdom of peace when all would be made right in the world. In a single volume, The Message of the Twelve explores the background and theological message of the Minor Prophets while providing specific exposition of each book. Designed for students, pastors, and laypeople, The Message of the Twelve highlights interpretive issues and rhetorical strategies based on the premise that the message of the Twelve is found not just in what they said, but in how they said it.

Slender Reeds: Jochebed's Hope, SAMPLE


Texie Susan Gregory - 2016
    But while it is still dark, God is at work. Young Jochebed is unaware the Master Weaver is preparing her to mother three formidable leaders: Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. Shiphrah, the half-Egyptian midwife tasked to kill Hebrew male newborns, remembers childhood stories of a merciful God and cannot resist His call on her life. Two women, each following the dangerous path God has set before them—this is their story.Releases November 1, 2016!

Preaching the Luminous Word: Biblical Sermons and Homiletical Essays


Ellen F. Davis - 2016
    Davis. A brief preface to each sermon delineates its liturgical context and theological themes as well as distinctive elements of structure and style. Arranged in canonical order, the sermons treat a wide range of texts: Torah, Prophets, Writings, Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation. They are complemented by essays on various aspects of biblical interpretation for preaching. At once accessible, theologically informed, and rhetorically rich, this volume will engage preachers, teachers, seminarians, church leaders, and serious lay readers.

Daniel


Wendy L. Widder - 2016
    The first commentary series to do so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical texts, guiding everyday readers in how to creatively and faithfully live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric approach is ideal for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers, and laypeople alike.Three easy-to-use sections designed to help readers live out God’s story:LISTEN to the Story: Includes complete NIV text with references to other texts at work in each passage, encouraging the reader to hear it within the Bible’s grand storyEXPLAIN the Story: Explores and illuminates each text as embedded in its canonical and historical settingLIVE the Story: Reflects on how each text can be lived today and includes contemporary stories and illustrations to aid preachers, teachers, and studentsPraise for SGBC:“The easy-to-use format and practical guidance brings God’s grand story to modern-day life so anyone can understand how it applies today.”—Andy Stanley“Opens up the biblical story in ways that move us to act.”—Darrell L. Bock“It makes the text sing and helps us hear the story afresh.”—John Ortberg“This commentary breaks new ground.”—Craig L. Blomberg

Daniel and Esther: Israel in Exile


John F. MacArthur Jr. - 2016
    Some, such as Daniel and Esther, were even members of a race carried away to a foreign land that had never heard of the God of Israel. Their lives were not easy, but even in the midst of trials, these men and women discovered that God was with them—and that He was actively leading the events in their lives.In this study, John MacArthur guides readers through an in-depth look at the historical period of Israel’s exile beginning with the prophet Daniel being carried off to Babylon, continuing through the rise of the Persian Empire, and concluding with Esther’s reign as queen. Studies include close-up examinations of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Esther, Haman, and others, as well as careful considerations of doctrinal themes such as “Standing Boldly for God” and “God’s Sovereignty Over the Future.”The MacArthur Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. Each guide incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding themes, and probing questions to help you study the Word of God with guidance from John MacArthur.

Daniel


Wendy L. Widder - 2016
    The first commentary series to do so, SGBC offers a clear and compelling exposition of biblical texts, guiding everyday readers in how to creatively and faithfully live out the Bible in their own contexts. Its story-centric approach is ideal for pastors, students, Sunday school teachers, and laypeople alike.Three easy-to-use sections designed to help readers live out God’s story: LISTEN to the Story: Includes complete NIV text with references to other texts at work in each passage, encouraging the reader to hear it within the Bible’s grand story EXPLAIN the Story: Explores and illuminates each text as embedded in its canonical and historical setting LIVE the Story: Reflects on how each text can be lived today and includes contemporary stories and illustrations to aid preachers, teachers, and students Praise for SGBC:“The easy-to-use format and practical guidance brings God’s grand story to modern-day life so anyone can understand how it applies today.”—Andy Stanley“Opens up the biblical story in ways that move us to act.”—Darrell L. Bock“It makes the text sing and helps us hear the story afresh.”—John Ortberg“This commentary breaks new ground.”—Craig L. Blomberg

Every Promise of Your Word: The Gospel According to Joshua


Rhett Dodson - 2016
    The God who redeemed his people from bondage in Egypt gave them a land of their own just as he swore to Abraham. From encampment on the eastern banks of the Jordan River to dramatic victories, a critical setback, and eventual settlement, the book of Joshua recounts key events in redemptive history, events that mark the fulfillment of God's gracious word, demonstrate Israel's weaknesses, and highlight the Lord's fidelity to every promise he had made. His covenant faithfulness reminds us that he is a God who can be trusted. His covenant fulfillment, in turn, points us to a greater Joshua, the Lord Jesus Christ. In Every Promise of Your Word, learn anew to rely on the God who keeps his every promise and see Jesus as he is revealed in the Scriptures of the Hebrew Bible.

The Cambridge Companion to the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament


Stephen B. Chapman - 2016
    Providing an up-to-date 'snapshot' of scholarship, it includes essays, specially commissioned for this volume, by twenty-three leading scholars. The volume examines a range of topics, including the historical and religious contexts for the contents of the biblical canon, and critical approaches and methods, as well as newer topics such as the Hebrew Bible in Islam, Western art and literature, and contemporary politics. This Companion is an excellent resource for students at university and graduate level, as well as for laypeople and scholars in other fields who would like to gain an understanding of the current state of the academic discussion. The book does not presume prior knowledge, nor does it engage in highly technical discussions, but it does go into greater detail than a typical introductory textbook.

7 Days of Awesome: A Creation Tale


Shawn Byous - 2016
    Seuss feel, 7 Days of Awesome rhymes its way through each day of creation and encourages children to ponder God’s wisdom in creating this wonderful world. Accompanied by charming, animated illustrations by Colin Jack, this whimsical read-aloud book will be sure to delight both children and their parents.

Commentaries on the Twelve Prophets: Volume 1


Jerome - 2016
    347-419/20), one of the West's four doctors of the church, was recognized early on as one of the church's foremost translators, commentators and advocates of Christian asceticism. Skilled in Hebrew and Greek in addition to his native Latin, he was thoroughly familiar with Jewish traditions and brought them to bear on his understanding of the Old Testament. Beginning in 379, Jerome used his considerable linguistic skills to translate Origen's commentaries and, eventually, to translate and comment on Scripture himself. In 392, while preparing his Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible, Jerome wrote his commentary on Nahum, the first in a series of commentaries on five of the twelve minor prophets. Micah, Zephaniah, Haggai and Habakkuk soon followed. He was interrupted in 393 by the Origenist controversy, after which he became a vocal critic of Origen of Alexandria--a controversy he referred to in his commentaries on Jonah and Obadiah in 396. This Ancient Christian Texts volume, edited and translated by Thomas Scheck in collaboration with classics students from Ave Maria University, includes these seven commentaries. The second volume contains Jerome's commentaries on Zechariah, Malachi, Hosea, Joel and Amos, all of which were written in 406, completing the group of twelve prophets. Throughout these commentaries Jerome displays his familiarity with both Hebrew and Greek texts. His spiritual exegesis relies heavily on the exegetical work of Origen. Jerome looks beyond the nationalistic sentiments of the prophets to see a wider message about God's mercy and justice. His commitment to the truthfulness of the Scriptures as the Word of God is exemplified by his defense of the historicity of Jonah. He finds the fundamental message of the prophets to be the intent to console the saints, so that they may disdain the things of this world and prepare themselves for the day of judgment.

A Handbook for Catholic Preaching


Edward Foley - 2016
    Cosponsored by the Catholic Academy of Liturgy, the Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics, and the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, it covers the role of the Scriptures in preaching, the challenges of preaching in a digital age, sermonizing in an interfaith context, and the need for a liberative and prophetic word that cuts across denominations and even faith traditions. Intended to aid those who teach or direct the preaching arts, the design and writing style of this book are particularly calibrated to graduate students in ministerial studies. Every article is a self-contained overview of a particular historical period, genre of preaching, homiletic theory, or contemporary issue. This more encyclopedic approach—devoid of footnotes, yet supported by pertinent bibliography and an extensive index—provides a sufficiently rich yet thoroughly accessible gateway to major facets of the preaching arts at this stage of the twenty-first century. General Editor: Edward Foley Associate Editors: Catherine Vincie, Richard N. Fragomeni Contributors: Herbert Anderson, John F. Baldovin, Alden Lee Bass, Dianne Bergant, Stephen Bevans, Robert Bireley, John Carr, Anthony Collamati, Michael E. Connors, Guerric DeBona, Frank DeSiano, William T. Ditewig, Con Foley, Edward Foley, Richard N. Fragomeni, Ann M. Garrido, Gregory Heille, Lucy Lind Hogan, Patrick R. Lagges, David J. Lose, Barbara K. Lundblad, Ricky Manalo, Robert F. Morneau, Carolyn Muessig, vanThanh Nguyen, Mary Margaret Pazdan, Patricia Parachini, Jorge Presmanes, Craig Alan Satterlee, Catherine Vincie, Richard Vosko, James A. Wallace, Margaret Moers Wenig, Alex Zenthoefer

The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological, and Critical Introduction


Richard S. Hess - 2016
    Hess summarizes the contents of the Old Testament, introduces the academic study of the discipline, and helps readers understand the complex world of critical and interpretive issues, addressing major concerns in the critical interpretation of each Old Testament book and key texts.This volume provides a fulsome treatment for students preparing for ministry and assumes no prior knowledge of the Old Testament. Readers will learn how each book of the Old Testament was understood by its first readers, how it advances the larger message of the whole Bible, and what its message contributes to Christian belief and the Christian community. Twenty maps, ninety photos, sidebars, and recommendations for further study add to the book's usefulness for students. Resources for professors are available through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.

Claiming Her Dignity: Female Resistance in the Old Testament


L. Juliana M. Claassens - 2016
    In the darkest periods of human history, men and women have risen up and in many different voices said this one thing: “Do not treat me like this. Treat me like the human being that I am.” Claiming Her Dignity explores a number of stories from the Old Testament in which women in a variety of creative ways resist the violence of war, rape, heterarchy, and poverty. Amid the life-denying circumstances that seek to attack, violate, and destroy the bodies and psyches of women, men, and children, the women featured in this book absolutely refuse to succumb to the explicit, and at times subtle but no less harmful, manifestations of violence that they face.

God Behind the Scenes: The Book of Esther


Wayne Barkhuizen - 2016
    In God Behind the Scenes, Wayne K. Barkhuizen helps us trace the unseen hand of God throughout the Esther narrative, while pointing out how the book is still relevant today. As we walk through the book, we'll see how God was indeed active in preserving the people through whom the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would one day come.

The Temple Revealed in Creation: A Portrait of the Family


Dinah Dye - 2016
    Some view the Temple as a building that was destroyed in the first century but will be built again to fulfill the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. Others think the Temple is irrelevant because Yeshua’s (Jesus) sacrifice replaced it. Some are waiting for a new Temple to appear out of the heavens while others are taking steps to build it here on earth. Some see the Temple in abstract and spiritual terms while others see only a physical building that was destroyed. Dr. Dinah Dye explores the ancient understanding of the temple from the birth of time. She takes the reader back to the "beginning" and shows its enduring relevance for today’s family.

Glimpsing the Mystery: The Book of Daniel


Barbara M. Leung Lai - 2016
    How do either of them relate to the world today, with its frequent news of conflict, injustice, and human suffering? In Glimpsing the Mystery, Barbara M. Leung Lai succinctly takes readers through Daniel, showing throughout how God responds to the needs of his people in difficult times. In a world that seems out of control, God provides glimpses into the mystery of his glory and sovereignty, showing that he has not stopped working and reassuring us that he is still the God of gods and Lord of lords. It is a message that is as necessary today as it was in Daniel's time.