Here is an Old Testament introduction from someone deeply convinced that he’s handling the word of the living God. Many introductions waste inordinate time on skeptical theories. Dr. Michael Barrett’s formidable expertise does not prevent him from adopting a different posture: bowing humbly beneath Scripture rather than standing in judgment over it. This is a rare work of scholarly rigor that will be of great use not just in the classroom, but also in the pulpit and in the pew. Ordinary Christians will benefit from new insights into familiar passages while their pastors will interpret with greater clarity and preach with renewed conviction. Make this your guide to understanding the background, authorship, and themes of each book in the Old Testament. Already adopted by professors across the US for instruction in classrooms this fall, we pray that God will be pleased to grant a great harvest from this great labor. full-color photographs, illustrations, maps, and charts 700 pages covering general topics and every Old Testament book 11 excursus on challenging Old Testament topics like the divine name and life after death Interpret with clarity and preach with conviction. Dr. Michael Barrett blends scholarly rigor with practical applications, calling his approach “a new book from an old-school perspective.” His Old Testament Introduction will become an essential tool for students, pastors, and Bible teachers who seek exegetical precision and impactful insights. Forged by a seasoned evangelical scholar with decades in the classroom and the pulpit, Dr. Barrett’s work stands on this bedrock conviction: Scripture is God’s inspired Word. From that foundation, readers are equipped to tackle critical theories while understanding the timeless relevance of the Old Testament for Christians today. Contents List of TablesAcknowledgementsIntroduction General Introduction 1. The Books of the BibleExcursus 1: Higher Criticism Relating to the Bible’s Origin2. The Words of the Bible3. The Time of the Bible4. Archaeology and the Bible Special Introduction Introduction to the Pentateuch5. GenesisExcursus 2: The Old Testament versus Ancient Near East Texts6. ExodusExcursus 3: MiraclesExcursus 4: Yahweh, The Divine Name7. Leviticus8. Numbers9. Deuteronomy Introduction to the Historical Books10. JoshuaExcursus 5: Who Are the Hebrews?11. Judges and Ruth12. Samuel13. KingsExcursus 6: Baal14. Postexilic Histories Introduction to Poetic and Wisdom Books15. JobExcursus 7: Old Testament Theology of Life after Death16. PsalmsExcursus 8: Identification of Messianic Psalms17. Proverbs18. Ecclesiastes19. Song of Solomon Introduction to the Prophets20. ObadiahExcursus 9: The Day of the Lord21. Joel22. Jonah23. Amos24. Hosea25. Micah26. Isaiah27. Nahum28. Zephaniah29. Habakkuk30. Jeremiah and Lamentations31. Ezekiel32. DanielExcursus 10: Daniel 11, Before and After33. Haggai34. ZechariahExcursus 11: Zechariah’s Visions35. Malachi Afterword: Personal ReflectionsGlossary of Terms and ExpressionsWorks CitedScripture IndexSubject IndexCredits and Permissions Endorsements “Michael Barrett has a contagious passion for expounding the Old Testament for New Testament believers. He treats the essential elements with an unashamed belief in the verbal inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. Book by book, Barrett masterfully shows how the first three-quarters of the Bible advances the redemptive plan of God through Christ. Old Testament Introduction is an ideal text for conservative students in any theological tradition.”—Ken Casillas, professor of Old Testament interpretation, Bob Jones University Seminary “The fruit of a lifetime of study, this rigorous and accessible Old Testament introduction is ideal for ministers, seminarians, professors, and laymen alike. My dear friend Michael Barrett traces themes of creation, corruption, the Curse-Reverser, and the covenant. He displays the gospel according to the Old Testament by unveiling Genesis to Malachi in a distinctly Christ-centered way. I cannot commend this book enough as a bookshelf staple for every pastor and theological student.”—Dr. Joel R. Beeke, chancellor of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and pastor of Heritage Reformed Congregation, Grand Rapids, Michigan About the Author Michael Barrett serves as senior research professor of Old Testament at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He was previously the president of Geneva Reformed Seminary and taught for 30 years at Bob Jones University. Known for his Old Testament scholarship, he has authored many books and numerous articles for professional journals and religious publications. He and his wife, Sandra, have two sons and five grandchildren.
