A Survey of Old Testament Introduction [Paperback]

Gleason Archer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0802482015 | ISBN-13: 978-0802482013 | Edition: Rev Upd

In this revised volume, Gleason Archer approaches the study of the Old Testament from both the general and the specific point of view. Dealing first with issues over which many scholars debate, Archer offers evidence to support the conservative view of: canonicity historicity inspiration textual problems higher criticismThe second section dissects each book of the Old Testament individually, presenting discussions of specific issues related to that particular book. Archer thoroughly covers such issues as: Biblical creationism Noah's ark and the flood Authorship Chronology Alleged language, style, and theme differencesA Survey of Old Testament Introduction is invaluable to students, scholars, and laymen who want to understand the conservative position of Old Testament issues and are not afraid to examine critical views.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

GLEASON L. ARCHER, JR. (B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Harvard University; B.D., Princeton Theological Seminary; L.L.B., Suffolk Law School) was a biblical scholar, theologian, educator, and author. He authored numerous books, including In the Shadow of the Cross, The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Study Manual, and Survey of Old Testament Introduction. His instrumental work in the preparation of the Old Testament portion of the New American Standard Bible has gained wide acclaim and positioned him as a world-renowned scholar.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 608 pages
• Publisher: Moody Publishers; Rev Upd edition (August 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802482015
• ISBN-13: 978-0802482013
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #157,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars scholar review, November 20, 2000

By 

Dr. Steve Clinton - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Survey of Old Testament Introduction (Paperback)

I had Archer in seminary and used the first edition of the book. The new edition is updated and is the best book on history and archaeology of the Bible, from any orientation. Archer has a deep spirituality as well as clearly superior academics. I highly recommend the book for serious readers.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Passionate scholarship, September 27, 2003

By 

Jacob Aitken (Pineville, LA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Survey of Old Testament Introduction (Paperback)

An Old Testament PhD student recommended Archer as a good, general, upper college level introduction for me. I go to liberal arts school where all the students kiss the ground that Wellhausen walked on. For them to even think of refuting The Documentary Hypothesis is to blaspheme Christ. Therefore, I trembled for joy when I bought Archer. Having been indoctrinated by the critical theories I was overjoyed when I saw someone apply sensible scholarship to a holy love for God.

Archer's set up is odd, to be honest with you. Unlike Dillard & Longman (Bibliography/Genre/Authorship/Background/theology/Approach to New Testament)Archer approaches the individual books quite differently. He is more into archeology breakthroughs, names of certain kings, "problem texts". My one flaw with the book is that he did not develop theological themes enough.
However, the First and last sections of the book are well worth the price. Archer aims his cannons and unbelieving critical theories and blows them out of the water. First he estavlishes the presuppositions of criticl scholars. If you do not believe that God is able to reveal Himself (or exists, for that matter) then naturally you will doubt the supernatural inspriation of the sacred text. In this section the most exciting part is the refutation of the Documentary Hypothesis. In the last part he examines the work of three prominent Old Testament scholars--Von Rad, Childs, and Noth. He is fair--analyzing them by their presuppositions--and then states his.
I would highly recommend this book but also read it alongside another good introduction.

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best available Conservative Old Testament Introduction, January 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Survey of Old Testament Introduction (Paperback)

Archer believes that the Old Testament is God's word and accepts the Mosaic authorship of the Penteteuch. He says that there are minor copying errors but rejects in toto the higher criticism of Wellhausen & Co.. He puts forth the strongest arguments for the traditional view and against the critical that I have ever seen in print. Dr. Archer was educated at Harvard and Princeton and has taught in several evangelical colleges. It is a must read for evangelical scholars. [e-mail]