Reading the Old Testament: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac®) [Paperback]

Barry L. Bandstra (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0534616682 | ISBN-13: 978-0534616687 | Edition: 3

READING THE OLD TESTAMENT, now in its third edition, has proven itself as a guide that successfully teaches students how to read the Hebrew Bible and how to go about mining the Biblical text for literary, historical, and thematic meaning. The book actively applies recent literary, rhetorical, and structural studies that shed light on art, design, coherence, characterization, theme, and other literary features of the Hebrew Bible. An engaging and instructive CD-ROM also comes packaged free with the text. This innovative and much acclaimed resource--developed by the author himself--includes the entire text of the Bible, the entire text of the book, and an interactive Study Guide. In both the book and on the CD-ROM, Bandstra demonstrates how knowledge of ancient culture, religion, and history is essential for interpreting Biblical texts. While history, archaeology, and extra-biblical documents are heavily utilized, they are presented only as they apply directly to specific Biblical texts.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A respected scholar and teacher in the field of religious and Biblical studies, Barry L. Bandstra received his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Literature from Yale University. He also holds degrees from Calvin Theological Seminary and the University of Illinois at Urbana. He is the chairman of the Religion Department at Hope College, where his primary teaching fields are Biblical studies and Biblical theology. He also serves as director of instructional technology. In addition to this Old Testament text and the accompanying interactive study guide, Barry Bandstra has published articles and reviews on many aspects of religion and scripture. He is married and has three sons.

Product Details

• Paperback: 600 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 3 edition (July 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534616682
• ISBN-13: 978-0534616687
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #976,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great textbook with an interactive CD, December 22, 1999

By 

Micheal W. Palmer (Chapel Hill, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (with CD-ROM: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible) (Hardcover)

Bandstra focusses on the story line of the Hebrew Bible and does an admirable job of integrating historical and literary studies. A student reading this book will have a clear grasp of both the biblical story of Israel's history and the work of modern scholars on the subject. Bandstra writes with a sensitivity to the faith stance of the biblical writers yet does not shy away from critical issues which challenge a facile reading of the biblical texts. He introduces critical biblical scholarship as it becomes relevant to understanding those texts. Students will learn the content of the Hebrew Bible as well as scholarly methods for interpreting biblical texts.

The CD included with the book is extremely helpful. It includes the entire text of the book, the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (with links between the two at relevant points), and a wealth of learning aids for students.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Old Testament Information, December 28, 2001

By 

Jeffrey Leach (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (with CD-ROM: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible) (Hardcover)

I used this book as a primary textbook in two classes: one on the Hebrew prophets, the other a general survey of the Old Testament. I found the book to be quite readable and even enjoyable, in spots. Most of my fellow classmates grumbled about reading this book. They complained that it was boring and lengthy. However, if you have no knowledge of the OT, this book will certainly illuminate the intricacies of the Hebrew Bible. Bandstra manages to maintain a good degree of neutrality with his writing, a process that is not easy to do when writing about the Bible. There is a CD included with the book that has maps, tons of texts and other helpful information that supplements the text. If you are assigned this book for your class, don't worry. You could do much worse.

5.0 out of 5 stars Hebrew Bible, December 8, 2011

By 

Viola Ngandu (IN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (Religion) (Hardcover)

It was very helpful, in my class, it is a great review book if you missed what was said in class. I helped me alot. Best study tool.