A breakdown of the major elements of the Old Testament with references to books and verses are contained in this 6-page laminated guide. Each book is broken down by: author, major characters, date written, setting, main themes, and a listing of major events with book and verse references.

Throughout church history, the book of Psalms has enjoyed wider use and acclaim than almost any other book of the Bible. Early Christians extolled it for its fullness of Christian doctrine, monks memorized and recited it daily, lay people have prayed its words as their own, and churches have sung from it as their premier hymn book. While the past half century has seen an extraordinary resurgence of interest in the thought of American theologian Jonathan Edwards, including his writings on the Bible, no scholar has yet explored his meditations on the Psalms. David P. Barshinger addresses this gap by providing a close study of his engagement with one of the Bibles most revered books. From his youth to the final days of his presidency at the College of New Jersey, Edwards was a devout student of Scriptureas more than 1,200 extant sermons, theological treatises, and thousands of personal manuscript pages devoted to biblical reflection bear witness. Using some of his writings that have previously received little to no attention, Jonathan Edwards and the Psalms offers insights on his theological engagement with the Psalms in the context of interpretation, worship, and preaching. Barshinger shows that he appropriated the history of redemption as an organizing theological framework within which to engage the Psalms specifically, and the Bible as a whole. This original study greatly advances Edwards scholarship, shedding new and welcome light on the theologians relationship to Scripture.

Winner of the Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise
Matthew Thiessen offers a nuanced and wide-ranging study of the nature of Jewish thought on Jewishness, circumcision, and conversion. Examining texts from the Hebrew Bible, Second Temple Judaism, and early Christianity, he gives a compelling account of the various forms of Judaism from which the early Christian movement arose.
Beginning with analysis of the Hebrew Bible, Thiessen argues that there is no evidence that circumcision was considered to be a rite of conversion to Israelite religion. In fact, circumcision, particularly the infant circumcision practiced within Israelite and early Jewish society, excluded from the covenant those not properly descended from Abraham. In the Second Temple period, many Jews began to subscribe to a definition of Jewishness that enabled Gentiles to become Jews. Other Jews, such as the author of Jubilees, found this definition problematic, reasserting a strictly genealogical conception of Jewish identity. As a result, some Gentiles who underwent conversion to Judaism in this period faced criticism because of their suspect genealogy.
Thiessen's examination of the way in which Jews in the Second Temple period perceived circumcision and conversion allows a deeper understanding of early Christianity. Contesting Conversion shows that careful attention to a definition of Jewishness that was based on genealogical descent has crucial implications for understanding the variegated nature of early Christian mission to the Gentiles in the first century C.E.

The fifteen essays were written by leading biblical scholars in Europe between 195o and 196o. The editor is a Professor at Heidelberg, and author of a recent book on 'our time in the Old Testament', A Thousand Tears and a Day (us). As he points out, the contributors agree that the Old Testament must be allowed to tell its own story. They are all concerned, however, with the relation between Israel's religious self-interpretation and its history as the research of our time sees it, and they seek valid ways of connecting the two Testaments which together constitute the Christian Bible. The whole intensive discussion shows that Old Testament commentary and Christian theology are no longer kept separate. The contributors include Gerhard von Rad and Walther Eichrodt on the typological interpretation of the Old Testament, Rudolf Bultmann and Walther Zimmerli on prophecy and fulfilment, Martin Noth on the 'representation' in proclamation, J. J. Stamm on Jesus Christ and his Scripture, and Th. C. Vriezen on the biblical doctrine of salvation. There is a bibliography.

The Old English Heptateuch is a translation of much of the first seven books of the Old Testament from the Latin Vulgate into Old English, done in the first years of the eleventh century. It is the earliest known attempt at continuous translation of the Old Testament into English, and is of particular interest as a witness to the dynamic, but not yet fully understood relationship between Latin and the vernacular in the monasteries of late Anglo-Saxon England. The Heptateuch is a composite work, but much of the translation was done by Abbot AElfric of Eynsham. The edition includes his preface to the translation of Genesis, and also his Libellus de veteri testamento et novo, a tract in which he presents an exegetical survey of the Bible. This first volume contains the general Introduction and the text; volume II will provide the notes and glossary. This new critical edition, based on Bodleian Library MS Laud misc. 509, replaces the EETS' original series 160, edited by S.J. Crawford and based on a different manuscript; it collates manuscripts and adds readings not then known. Richard Marsden is Senior Lecturer in the School of English Studies at the University of Nottingham.

Many readers are convinced that the Psalms are hopelessly "masculine," especially given that seventy-three of the 150 psalms begin with headings linking them to King David. In this volume, Denise Dombkowski Hopkins sets stories about women in the Hebrew Bible alongside Psalms 42-89 as "intertexts" for interpretation. The stories of women such as Hannah, Rahab, Tamar, Bathsheba, Susanna, Judith, Shiphrah, Puah, and the Levite's concubine can generate a different set of associations for psalm metaphors than have traditionally been put forward. These different associations can give the reader different views of the dynamics of power, gender, politics, religion, family, and economics in ancient Israel and in our lives today that might help to name and transform the brokenness of our world. From the Wisdom Commentary series Feminist biblical interpretation has reached a level of maturity that now makes possible a commentary series on every book of the Bible. It is our hope that Wisdom Commentary, by making the best of current feminist biblical scholarship available in an accessible format to ministers, preachers, teachers, scholars, and students, will aid all readers in their advancement toward God's vision of dignity, equality, and justice for all. The aim of this commentary is to provide feminist interpretation of Scripture in serious, scholarly engagement with the whole text, not only those texts that explicitly mention women. A central concern is the world in front of the text, that is, how the text is heard and appropriated by women. At the same time, this commentary aims to be faithful to the ancient text, to explicate the world behind the text, where appropriate, and not impose contemporary questions onto the ancient texts. The commentary addresses not only issues of gender (which are primary in this project) but also those of power, authority, ethnicity, racism, and classism, which all intersect. Each volume incorporates diverse voices and differing interpretations from different parts of the world, showing the importance of social location in the process of interpretation and that there is no single definitive feminist interpretation of a text.

The promise of land and progeny to the patriarchs-Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob-is a central, recurring feature of the Pentateuch. From the beginning of the story of Abraham to the last moment of Moses's life, this promise forms the guiding theological statement for each narrative. Yet literary and historical inquiries ascribe the promise texts to a variety of sources, layers, and redactions, raising questions about how the promise functioned in its original manifestations and how it can be used to understand the formation of the Pentateuch as a whole. Joel S. Baden reexamines the patriarchal promise in its historical and contemporaneous contexts, evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of both final-form and literary-historical approaches to the promise. He pays close attention to the methodologies employed in both documentary and non-documentary analyses and aims to bring source-critical analysis of the promise to bear on the understanding of the canonical text for contemporary readers. The Promise to the Patriarchs addresses the question of how the literary-historical perspective can illuminate and even deepen the theological meaning of the Pentateuch, particularly of the promise at the heart of this central biblical corpus.

Abraham gives us an unforgettable portrait of faith. Daniel is a classic example of holiness. And through her willingness to risk her own life, Esther shows us what commitment means. This LifeBuilder explores the lives of these and other Bible characters. Their example helps us live in the present by learning from people of the past. This revised LifeBuilder Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and an extra 'Now or Later' section in each study.

How can someone be perfectly imperfect? Isn't

that a contradiction? The Bible is filled with stories

of people with all kinds of flaws and imperfections.

The astounding thing is what happens

when God changes their lives.

Perfectly Imperfect is about people whose true-to-life

stories are found in the New Testament. They

are like us in many ways confused, tempted,

and often afraid, but then they meet Jesus, and

their lives are wonderfully transformed.

Through the character sketches in this book, we

learn how God works with us. We discover something

about the way God transforms us from what

we are into what we can be. In these sometimes

tragic and broken lives, we get a glimpse of how

God renews us and remakes us into people who

are perfectly imperfect.

Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, this indispensable commentary provides pastors, professional scholars, teachers, and Bible students with a critical, relevant, and inspiring interpretation of the Word of God in the 21st century.

EACH VOLUME FEATURES:

Contemporary scholarship from notable experts

Convenient introductory material, including information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, and hermeneutical issues

Clear verse-by-verse explanations, derived from the biblical text in its original language

Comprehensive annotation which cover background elements behind the text; verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text; and significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the text

Helpful sidebars, which provide insight into theological issues, word meanings, archeological connections, historical relevance, and cultural connections.

Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, this indispensable commentary provides pastors, professional scholars, teachers, and Bible students with a critical, relevant, and inspiring interpretation of the Word of God in the 21st century.

EACH VOLUME FEATURES:

CONTEMPORARY SCHOLARSHIP

CONVENIENT INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL

CLEAR VERSE-BY-VERSE EXPLANATIONS

COMPREHENSIVE ANNOTATION

HELPFUL SIDEBARS

AN EXPANDED BIBLIOGRAPHY

The New Beacon Bible Commentary is an engaging, indispensable reference tool to aid individuals in every walk of life in the study and meditation of God's Word. Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, it offers insight and perceptive scholarship to help you unlock the deeper truths of Scripture and garner an awareness of the history, culture, and context attributed to each book of study. Readable, relevant, and academically thorough, it offers scholars, pastors, and laity a new standard for understanding and interpreting the Bible in the 21st century.Each volume features: Completely New Scholarship from notable experts in the Wesleyan traditionConvenient Introductory Material for each book of the Bible including information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, hermeneutical issues, and moreClear Verse-by-Verse Explanations, which offer a contemporary, Wesleyan-based understanding derived from the passage's original languageComprehensive Annotation divided into three sections, which cover background elements behind the text; verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text; and significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the textHelpful Sidebars which provide deeper insight into theological issues, word meanings, archeological connections, historical relevance, cultural customs, and moreExpanded Bibliography for further study of historical elements, additional interpretations, and theological themesThe aim of this volume is to offer a distinctive engagement with the theological dynamics of the book for readers from the Wesleyan theological tradition, with a special eye to Ezekiel's use of Old Testament priestly theology to respond to the trauma associated with the Babylonian Exile.

I will commit myself to you forever ...in steadfast love and tender compassion. (Hosea 2:19)The prophet Hosea used the heart-rending story of his marriage to an unfaithful wife as a moving object lesson of the pain which God felt when his people Israel rejected his love. Rather than worshipping the true God, who had brought them out of slavery in Egypt, the nation had reverted to worshipping idols to such an extent that God was compelled to use the words of the divorce formula and say to them "you are not my people."Yet remarkably, when Hosea's wife left him for another man, God's command to the prophet was for him love his wife again, and take her back to his home-that by doing so he might illustrate the grace and unending love of God toward his erring people-the relationship was to be restored! In the midst of serious warnings for the unrepentant, the book of Hosea offers hope that no matter how far a relationship may have broken down, there are none which cannot be restored. In particular, our relationship with God can be renewed by his forgiveness and grace.

The uniqueness of this commentary is its detailed, first-time uncovering of evidence that there were two editions of Proverbs, the first in the time of Solomon and the second created by "the men of Hezekiah" in support of King Hezekiah's historic religious reforms. Up to this time the puzzling features of the book's design, purpose, and message are clarified in this light and the book's relevance for its time and ours greatly enhanced.

The book of Joshua reads like an exciting novel - from the miraculous crossing of the Jordan to the crash of the walls of Jericho and the sun stopping in the sky. Through it all we see God's faithfulness and power. Studying Joshua encourages us to persevere in our own daily battles, arming us with the powerful weapons we need - God's promises. This revised Lifebuilder Bible Study features additional questions for starting group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection, together with expanded leader's notes and an extra 'Now or Later' section in each study.

In The Old Testament and God, Craig G. Bartholomew offers an innovative, compelling new introduction that takes a critical realist approach to our understanding of the history, literature and theology of the Old Testament. Opening up a distinctly theological interpretation, he explores the key questions that arise from reading the Old Testament against its environment and pays close attention to intertextuality - both within the Old Testament itself and between the Old and New Testaments. Packed full of brilliant insight, this is a fresh, illuminating account of the question of God in the context of Old Testament interpretation today. The Old Testament and God is the first volume in a ground-breaking new series, Old Testament Origins and the Question of God, which acts as a companion series to N. T. Wright's Christian Origins and the Question of God. Thorough and eye-opening, it is ideal for both students and professors of Old Testament studies who are looking for a big-picture, holistic narrative approach to the Old Testament that still takes into account its own unique challenges. A paradigm-shifting study, The Old Testament and God will leave you with a deeper, comprehensive understanding of the literary, historical and theological dimensions of the Old Testament, its interpretation, and its function as part of Christian scripture. Its cutting-edge approach has far-reaching implications for all areas of theological enquiry, making it essential reading for all serious students of the Bible and theology today.

You have a giant in your life. An adversary that's diminishing your ability to live fully in Christ. Whatever it may be-rejection, fear, anger, comfort, or addiction-this giant stands between you and God's promise...and it must fall. Like with David and the Israelites, God has a better plan for you than to stand and be taunted day after day by a 9-foot Goliath. God's plan for you is to live in victory. In this six-session video Bible study (streaming code included), Pastor Louie Giglio reveals a twist in the story of David and Goliath that will help you and your study group see how God works victories in the lives of his people. This study guide has everything you need for a full Bible study experience, including: The study guide itself-with discussion and reflection questions, activities, video notes, and a leader's guide. An individual access code to stream all six video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!). Each session will equip you with practical, hands-on steps to take after engaging in passages from the Bible and Louie's video talks, which show how living free from our giants means putting our hope in Jesus. When we do, we get to watch Goliath fall. Sessions and video run times: Dead but Still Deadly (22:30) Fear Must Fall (23:00) Rejection Must Fall (20:00) Comfort Must Fall (20:00) Anger Must Fall (22:30) Addiction Must Fall (22:00) Watch on any device! Streaming video access code included. Access code subject to expiration after 12/31/2027. Code may be redeemed only by the recipient of this package. Code may not be transferred or sold separately from this package. Internet connection required. Void where prohibited, taxed, or restricted by law. Additional offer details inside.

Integrated overview of the most significant themes in Isaiah

Some chose to follow God. Others followed only fame and fortune. They lived through times of difficulty and times of triumph, through political and emotional turmoil, through popularity and through discontent. This ten-session LifeBuilder Bible Study focuses on the character of the Kings of the Old Testament and what we can learn from them. For over three decades LifeBuilder Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions-making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 120 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel vividly describe the passing of the age of the judges and the founding of the Israelite monarchy. We read of the rise and rule of Samuel, the last and greatest of the judges, and his role in establishing Saul and, later, David as kings over Israel. The wars, deceptions, victories, friendship, intrigue, rivalry, jealousy, and (for David) adultery and family discord that marked the reigns of these two men ensure that 1 and 2 Samuel are among the most readable - and relevant - books of the Old Testament. Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

There has been an explosion of interest in wisdom literature, and many studies are now available. There is every opportunity for people to 'get wisdom, get insight' (Prov. 4:5). However, in today's world it seems that the practical sensibilities that come from wisdom are found in very few places. Wisdom literature is needed now more than ever. By walking in the way of wisdom we will 'find favour and good success in the sight of God and man' (Prov. 3:4). Richard Belcher's valuable study begins with a survey of the problem of wisdom literature in Old Testament theology. Subsequent chapters focus on the message and theology of the books of Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes. These books point forward to the need for Christ and the gospel. Belcher concludes by exploring the relationship of Christ to wisdom in terms of his person, work and teaching ministry.

This study guide introduces students to the Book of Proverbs from the Old Testament. Zoltán Schwáb examines the book's structure and characteristics; covers the latest Biblical scholarship, including historical and interpretive issues; and considers a range of scholarly approaches from historical-critical through feminist to theological. The guide encourages existential engagement with Proverbs, and uses diverse tools in order to achieve this. A brief chapter by chapter commentary on Proverbs will highlight the major themes of each of its sections. The playful ambiguity and poetry of the proverbs is also discussed. A special emphasis will be placed on how different historical, literary, or performance contexts can influence a proverb’s meaning. Finally, the guide presents an overview of the rich heritage of African interpretation of proverbs. With suggestions of further reading at the end of each chapter, this guide will be an essential accompaniment to the study of the Book of Proverbs.

New volume in the TOTC replacement programme