Understanding the Old Testament

Throughout his long life of service to church and academy, Bernhard Anderson updated his textbook, "Understanding the Old Testament," for both a changing readership and a changing world of Biblical interpretation. One hopes that, with his passing on in late 2007, his work will continue through the efforts of his co-authors. A word on the somewhat confusingly titled recent editions of this work follows. The newest, 5th edition, was published in 2006, with co-authors Steven Bishop and Judith Newman (ISBN 01392380X). The original 4th edition, authored by Bernhard Anderson alone, was the blue hardcover edition of 1986 (ISBN 0139359257). This was followed by an "Abridged 4th edition" published in paperback in 1997, assisted by Katheryn Pfisterer Darr (ISBN 0139483993). Searching by using the ISBN numbers for the respective versions noted may help in getting the edition you want. Anderson's brief, introductory study guide, "The Unfolding Drama of the Bible," has also been updated, as has his introduction to the Psalms, "Out of the Depths." His understanding of the covenantal theology of the Hebrew Scriptures as it may be extended to Christian theology is covered in-depth his "Contours of Old Testament Theology."

Bernard Anderson opens up this magical land to us, with an experts eye and a critical academic mind. He delves into the tribal conflicts and conquests knowledgeably and with a sure hand and mind. Undoubtedly, one of the best OT texts ! The Right Rev'd Richard G. Melli, CSP, Th.D. Dean of Academics Chapel of the Holy Spirit School of Theology

This is an invaluable guide to assist in understanding the Old Testament. The author provides important historical background to help the reader understand what the original authors/compilers were trying to say. I am currently using this text for my 1st year Education for Ministry class.

No question the Old Testament is a great read, but face it, the original audience for this work is long dead and buried. Anderson's standard text on the world of the Old Testament is excellent in bringing the ancient world and the context for the collection that is the Old Testament to light. Reading the Bible without Anderson you get a story about some guy named Abram who took a walk one day and had some trouble with his new neighors. Reading it with Anderson, you get a deeper understanding of where Abraham came from, where he was headed, and how the belief of early Judahism developed through and in conflict with those of the neighboring Canaanites. The agrarian focused religion of the Canaanites get's it's own hearing as a people's attempt to make sense of the life around them. "Understanding the Old Testament" then provides this level of insight and background for all the other books of the Old Testament. How and why we now have the expression of the Jewish people's understanding of God gains more texuture and depth.