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.
nterpret 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 Tables
Acknowledgements
Introduction
General Introduction
1. The Books of the Bible
Excursus 1: Higher Criticism Relating to the Bible’s Origin
2. The Words of the Bible
3. The Time of the Bible
4. Archaeology and the Bible
Special Introduction
Introduction to the Pentateuch
5. Genesis
Excursus 2: The Old Testament versus Ancient Near East Texts
6. Exodus
Excursus 3: Miracles
Excursus 4: Yahweh, The Divine Name
7. Leviticus
8. Numbers
9. Deuteronomy
Introduction to the Historical Books
10. Joshua
Excursus 5: Who Are the Hebrews?
11. Judges and Ruth
12. Samuel
13. Kings
Excursus 6: Baal
14. Postexilic Histories
Introduction to Poetic and Wisdom Books
15. Job
Excursus 7: Old Testament Theology of Life after Death
16. Psalms
Excursus 8: Identification of Messianic Psalms
17. Proverbs
18. Ecclesiastes
19. Song of Solomon
Introduction to the Prophets
20. Obadiah
Excursus 9: The Day of the Lord
21. Joel
22. Jonah
23. Amos
24. Hosea
25. Micah
26. Isaiah
27. Nahum
28. Zephaniah
29. Habakkuk
30. Jeremiah and Lamentations
31. Ezekiel
32. Daniel
Excursus 10: Daniel 11, Before and After
33. Haggai
34. Zechariah
Excursus 11: Zechariah’s Visions
35. Malachi
Afterword: Personal Reflections
Glossary of Terms and Expressions
Works Cited
Scripture Index
Subject Index
Credits and Permissions
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.
