Introducing the Old Testament: A Short Guide to Its History and Message

I'm no expert but this is a good, well-rounded intro to the OT. For the beginner it is brief, Biblical in orientation (Not philosophically twisted), and every book has a historical summary Remember this is an introduction, not a complete commentary on each book. It will properly orient you, challenge and strengthen the faith and expand your understand of the history of what we believe and why. For those more advanced it will give you a good critical history summary with enough detail to understand how thought x becomes trend y in tracing a variety of critics. Now the disclaimer: Dr. Dillard tried hard to teach me Hebrew several decades ago and we were very friendly. I finally passed but that wasn't what he taught me most. He was a master builder of his own home. Along with his father, they built it from the ground up. From masonry to parquet flooring he respected life. It was a respect for all of God's callings in life. It helped me become an electrician. That respect shows in this book.

This is a great book to read if you do not know much about the Old Testament, and would like a guide to follow while reading through it. The chapters of the book offer a brief look at each book of the Old Testament, giving you an overview. I do not recommend reading this book by itself, but to read it while reading the Old Testament.

I wouldn't have purchased the book if it weren't required for an OT class, but in retrospect, it does give a good summary study of the OT.

This is a very, very basic intro to the Old Testament for those people who have never read it or who have never read any professional literature on it. It serves its purpose - nothing more, nothing less. It's essentially a "who wrote what? when? and why?" type of intro.

Great service, as promised. The book has short, easy chapters, though Longman has said a few small things in the text that I would question him about if I ever met him. Probably one of the most concise books out there on the O.T.

This is an excellent book. I needed it for a class I was taken. It is an easy read, but an great learning tool. It was helpful for my research paper.

Puts you right there in the Ancient Near East. Fun to read and very insightful.A total pleasure to read for theological textHow refreshing! :)

helpful