An Introduction to the Old Testament

I found this excellent text while looking for something to supplement the textbook chosen for the Introduction to the Old Testament class I teach. The chosen textbook does not inform the student that a conservative position exists. Young offers a reasonable critique of the popular documentary hypothesis and gives a fair hearing to Jewish tradition. After all, the Jews had the Hebrew Bible a lot longer than Christians, so their ancient opinion ought to count for something. The theory that one or more unknown and unremembered Jewish rabbis or prophet wannabe's authored some of the greatest literature in the history of the world is too ludicrous for words. Young upholds divine inspiration and revelation and provides a concise summary and commentary on each book of the Old Testament. I relied heavily on it for my class.

Very well written book which deals with the higher critical treatment of Scripture and clearly shows the flaws in that approach. I recomend it for any one wishing to study the Old Testament with any seriouness. The chapters dealing with the individual books are short and to the point and provide a good overview of the book which will prepare the student for a rich enjoyment of the Scripture itself.