The temple in Jerusalem was both the center of ancient Israel's religious life and also an economic center for the nation.
In this groundbreaking study of the economic functions of the Jerusalem temple, Marty E. Stevens, who worked for fifteen years as a Certified Public Accountant prior to getting a PhD in Old Testament, demonstrates that the temple acted as the central bank, internal revenue collector, source of loans, and even debt collector for ancient Israel. Applying a broad knowledge of temple-systems throughout the ancient Near East, Stevens sheds light on the roles played by various officials mentioned in Scripture and their tasks within the temple complex. Neither "Big Brother" nor "big business," the temple still served government and commerce in the course of conducting its religious functions. This fascinating book opens new avenues for understanding the Jerusalem temple and its impact on Israelite society.

Synopsis: The Old Testament is an ancient collection of theological reflections of life with God that the church has claimed as authoritative Scripture. Whereas most introductory books march from Genesis to Malachi, this book engages four important leadership roles across the breadth of the Old Testament canon: king, prophet, priest, and sage. Despite the obvious differences between the societies of ancient Israel and modern America, lessons can be learned from our ancestors in the faith. This engaging volume is intended for people who want to know more about the Old Testament, whether in personal study, church groups, college classrooms, or seminary courses. The book may be used profitably in concert with Theological Themes of the Old Testament: Creation, Covenant, Cultus, and Character (Cascade Books, 2010). Endorsements: "In her earlier work, Marty Stevens proved to be a reliable interpreter of biblical scholarship for the life and ministries of the church. Here she addresses the cutting-edge issue of leadership and directs our attention to the important roles of leadership in the life of ancient Israel . . . Both clergy and lay leaders in the church will be enriched and empowered by the biblical grounding Stevens offers to the challenges leaders face in every age." --Bruce C. Birch, Professor Emeritus of Biblical Theology, Wesley Theological Seminary "Stevens distills a vast amount of material and makes it accessible to beginning students in a way that is engaging and edifying. Her study of leadership roles shows how diverse the exercise of authority was in ancient Israel." --William P. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary Author Biography: Marty E. Stevens holds a PhD in biblical studies. She is Associate Professor in the Arthur L. Larson position of Stewardship and Parish Ministry, Chief Financial Officer, and Registrar at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She is the author of Temples, Tithes, and Taxes (2006) and Theological Themes of the Old Testament: Creation, Covenant, Cultus, and Character (Cascade Books, 2010).

Synopsis: The Old Testament is an ancient collection of theological reflections on life with God that the church has claimed as authoritative Scripture. Whereas most introductory books march from Genesis to Malachi, this book engages four prominent themes across the breadth of the Old Testament canon: creation, covenant, cultus, and character. By taking this approach, Stevens articulates key issues that impact the reading of the entire Old Testament. This engaging volume is intended for laypeople who want to know more about the Old Testament, whether in personal study, church groups, college classrooms, or seminary courses. Endorsements: "A gifted writer and pedagogue, Dr. Stevens has distilled much of the theological richness of the Old Testament and effectively presented it to her readers. Written with precision yet sparkling with passion and humor, her work is an ideal theological introduction to the Old Testament." -William P. Brown Columbia Theological Seminary "Marty Stevens understands that the Old Testament is a 'theological text first and foremost.' She is to be commended for this clear and careful study of key themes that are well-chosen and thoughtfully developed." -Terence E. Fretheim Luther Seminary Author Biography: Marty E. Stevens is Associate Professor in the Arthur L. Larson position of Stewardship and Parish Ministry, Chief Financial Officer, and Registrar at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She is the author of Temples, Tithes, and Taxes: The Temple and the Economic Life of Ancient Israel (2006).