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Richard S. Hess
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The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological, and Critical Introduction Hardcover – Illustrated, November 15, 2016

by Richard S. Hess (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 144 ratings
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A Respected Scholar Introduces Students to the Discipline of Old Testament Studies

Richard Hess, a trusted scholar of the Old Testament and the ancient Near East, offers a substantial introduction to the Old Testament that is accessibly written and informed by the latest biblical scholarship. 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.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    816 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Baker Academic
  4. Publication date
    November 15, 2016
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 2.1 x 9.1 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    080103714X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0801037146
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"A groundbreaking historical, theological, and critical introduction to the Old Testament that goes far beyond other introductions in terms of breadth, depth, and scope. Hess's engagement with the history of interpretation, his sensitivity to the theological and literary aspects of texts, and his willingness to engage gender, globalization, and postmodern ideologies, make this a must-have for scholars and students. I look forward to using this outstanding book in the classroom."
--Marion Taylor, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

"Hess has produced a truly outstanding introduction to the Old Testament. It provides a thoroughgoing, scholarly presentation of all the books of the Hebrew Bible yet at the same time is accessible for students with its well-structured, articulate text. Moreover, the excellent selection and placement of illustrative materials provides a wonderful undergirding that rightly serves the reader in the learning experience."
--K. Lawson Younger Jr., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"Hess offers readers a current, critical, and hermeneutically instructive introduction to the Old Testament. Targeted at the graduate student, this book maps out the content of each book of the Old Testament via its canonical shape, theological import, and the critical scholarship brought to bear throughout the centuries. Particularly noteworthy are Hess's masterful introduction of the discipline of text criticism, his inclusion of premodern criticism, and his investment in issues of gender, globalization, and postmodern epistemology. This weighty volume provides student and professor alike a treasure trove of data regarding what the Old Testament is, what it contains, and why its study is essential to the Christian community."
--Sandra Richter, Wheaton College

"Among the plethora of introductions presently flooding the market, this new volume from Richard Hess distinguishes itself by its scope; its format; its attention to the full range of comparative, critical, and confessional issues; and its author's widely recognized expertise in all corners of the ancient Near East. The coverage is extensive, but the writing remains accessible. This introduction will serve many for a long time to come as a standard go-to text."
--Brent A. Strawn, Emory University

About the Author

Richard S. Hess (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is distinguished professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado, and editor of the Denver Journal. He is the author or editor of more than forty books, including Ancient Israel's History, Israelite Religions, Song of Songs in the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms, and the commentary on Joshua in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries series.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Baker Academic; Illustrated edition (November 15, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 816 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 080103714X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0801037146
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.21 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 2.1 x 9.1 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 144 ratings

About the author

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Richard S. Hess

Richard S. Hess

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Dr. Richard S. Hess is Distinguished Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Denver Seminary, and is also the editor of the Denver Journal, Denver Seminary’s online theological review journal. He is the founder and editor of the Bulletin for Biblical Research’s Supplement Series and co-editor of the Septuagint Commentary Series. He researches and writes in areas of Old Testament exegesis and theology, Hebrew and ancient Near Eastern languages, biblical archaeology, and topics such as the transcendent value of human life and healing in biblical times. He is currently preparing a commentary on 2 Kings for Eerdmans’s NICOT Series.

Having lectured at more than one hundred scholarly societies, universities, and colleges, he has recently given invited lectures at Jerusalem University College, Jerusalem; Gateway Seminary, Ontario, California; Westmont College, Santa Barbara; Lanier Theological Library, Houston; and the Irish Bible Institute, Dublin. Dr. Hess is a member of the Committee On Bible Translation for the New International Version.

With his wife, Dr. Hess co-pastors 316, a Celtic Christian church in Denver, Colorado. He also regularly ministers in churches and teaches adult groups. He is happiest spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Denver Seminary Journal: https://denverseminary.edu/denver-journal/

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
144 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Paul from West Akron
5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2023
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I was looking for an OT overview that is more current on archeological findings and understanding than what I owned. This definitely fit's the bill.
The only thing I would stress is that this is written on an academic level. It's not an easy or basic introduction to the OT.
4 people found this helpful
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LSC
5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific reference book, also good for pleasure reading
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2022
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Great book to have on hand. Makes a terrific reference book and is also enjoyable just as interesting pleasure reading.
4 people found this helpful
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Simul iustus et peccator
5.0 out of 5 stars Quite a useful, up-to-date
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2017
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Quite a useful, up-to-date, evangelical, but critically-engaged introduction to the OT. It is particularly strong on historical, socio-cultural, and archaeological background and is well aware of present scholarly currents. I suppose it is assigned reading in quite a few seminaries, as well it should be.
12 people found this helpful
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fishMan8
5.0 out of 5 stars Satisfied
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2019
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For a graduate class.
2 people found this helpful
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Jayce
4.0 out of 5 stars Doesn't understand what priests are
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2023
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It blew my mind when I read the introduction to Leviticus that Hess doesn't understand why the book is called that when it only mentions the tribe of Levi in a single chapter. He doesn't understand that when the book of the code of the priests is talking about priests they are talking about Levites as Levites are the only ones who can be priests. The whole book is centered on the Levites and because it says priest instead of levite he thinks there is a difference. Less than 100 pages in and there are little details like this constantly abound showing a complete lack of understanding of scripture. It does contain a lot of interesting information but his lack of basic biblical understanding is concerning. I would definitely recommend another commentary of you are looking for scriptural accuracy and understanding. Good read for someone who doesn't care about the little details though.
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sojotheo
5.0 out of 5 stars The organization and arrangement of each of the chapters is easily at the top of the list
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2017
Richard S. Hess is Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Denver Seminary. Hess earned his Ph.D. from Hebrew Union College and has authored numerous books, including Israelite Religions: An Archaeological and Biblical Survey, Studies in the Personal Names of Genesis 1-11, and commentaries on Leviticus, Song of Songs, and Joshua. Hess is the current editor of the Denver Journal, former editor of the Bulletin of Biblical Research, and the associate editor of Old Testament, archaeology, and maps for the NIV Zondervan Study Bible. Most recently, Hess has released the present volume, a much-anticipated introduction to the Old Testament.

The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological, and Critical Introduction is an up-to-date, sizable, and comprehensive introduction to the OT and the current landscape of OT studies. Hess leaves virtually no stone unturned while he guides the reader through the various layers of the field. The Old Testament is divided into four major parts (Pentateuch, Historical Books, Poetic Books, and Prophetic Books) and covers all thirty-nine of the writings of the Old Testament. Hess opens with a suitable introduction to the structure, canonization, text and textual criticism of the OT. As attention is directed towards the content of the OT, the organization and arrangement of the volume provide readers a unique framework for optimal engagement with each OT book. Each chapter is divided into four major units: (1) Name, Text, and Outline, (2) Overview, (3) Reading, and (4) Theological Perspectives. The third unit (“Reading”) surveys six methods of interpretation, including, premodern readings, higher criticism, literary readings, gender and ideological criticism, ancient Near Eastern context, and canonical context. The fourth unit (“Theological Perspectives”) examines the major themes in each book. Lastly, each chapter includes a brief bibliography for further study.

There is much to be praised about this volume. The organization and arrangement of each of the chapters is easily at the top of the list. Where Hess does exceptionally well is the “Reading” section included in each chapter. Not only does the reader have an opportunity to engage with the standard introductory information expected, but Hess surveys the far-reaching hermeneutical landscape that has interacted with the content. Aside from the chapters, Hess has also included a number of sidebar articles, various maps and photos scattered throughout, and a handful of full-color plates in the center of the volume. The book is targeted towards a graduate-level audience and is scholarly and academic in nature. Nevertheless, as usual, Hess is both engaging and accessible, and thus, The Old Testament should find itself useful for a wide readership. Of course, the most praiseworthy aspect of this book is Hess’ ability to make the OT exciting and applicable for the student, and thus, indispensable for the professor.

The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological, and Critical Introduction by Richard S. Hess contains all the marks of a go-to standard for the field of OT studies. Hess’ expertise in ancient Near Eastern studies and his breadth of knowledge in the OT are on full display. The Old Testament is a must-have resource for scholars, students, and interested laypeople alike. It is accessible, extensive, and overflowing with riches. It comes highly recommended!
33 people found this helpful
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Dylan Price
5.0 out of 5 stars The Understandable Old Testament
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2017
I do not preach from the Old Testament (enough). I do not understand it to the depth I desire so as to preach from it. I have not grasped the background, the context(s) of passages and the theological principles. I have frequently asked, "Do I have to preach from the Old Testament?" I ask this because preaching from passages with which you are unfamiliar is intimidating. 

Richard Hess' The Old Testament bridges unfamiliarity to comprehension. He presents the Old Testament in a comprehensible and thorough manner where scholars will find the information enough to peak curiosity for research and students/pastors will be satisfied with the depth to which the author takes the reader. 

Hess' book is unlike other surveys of the Old Testament. What the reader finds is a methodical, systematized presentation of each book of the Hebrew Bible. In this presentation, the reader will find the "name of the text, outline, overview, pre-modern readings, source criticism, tradition history, literary readings, gender and ideological criticism, Ancient Near Eastern context, canonical context, and theological perspectives" (Genesis, 25-50). I also appreciate the introduction to the formation of the Hebrew Bible and different manuscript tradition(s). Hess also provides a list of "key commentaries and studies" at the end of each chapter to point curious readers to further research. 

This textbook belongs in the classrooms where Old Testament is taught. Whether they be survey classes at the undergraduate level, graduate religion or seminary classes, or divinity school's, this book is accessible to all students. I might also mention this work makes the Old Testament more accessible to the layperson. Lay people are key to God's kingdom work, and Hess has provided the church a magnificent resource for understanding God's message that is the Old Testament. 

Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Academic through the Baker Academic Blogger Review Program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
13 people found this helpful
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Reflex
2.0 out of 5 stars It's useless to this grad student
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022
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The book is very informative. However, there's no page numbers, and no way to change Location to page numbers. When a professor says, "Read pages 26-48," you're lost.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Kevin Hawkins
4.0 out of 5 stars They are bending the truths.
Reviewed in Canada on May 17, 2021
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If you really want to find out the truth. It will make ask you, "what are they really hiding"?
One person found this helpful
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Simen Slotte
5.0 out of 5 stars ..
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 30, 2020
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Excellent condition!
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Telebiopic
3.0 out of 5 stars Great content!
Reviewed in Canada on March 24, 2021
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3.9/5 stars. This is a scholarly work and I use it as one of my main Old Testament survey because of the depth, background and critical analysis it offers. This is an odd size book, thick but not that wide. At this price, one might expect full color illustrations and sewn binding but that is not the case here. It is glue bound and doesn’t open flat. The printing has less than desirable contrast with the text in a single column, too close to spine/gutter for taking any kind of notes on that margin. The black and white images look so out of date. here are so many great OT surveys out there, this one I like only because of the author, scholarship and critical approach because I like to study all types of perspective and not be limited to evangelical. For a lay leader or a graduate student, this book has some interesting critical content and arguments/analysis, it is unlike any other Old Testament survey out there. The richness of scholarly content is very impressive, I only wish it was printed better and in color.
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