Introduction to the Historical Books: Strategies for Reading - Softcover

McKenzie, Steven L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802828779 ISBN 13: 9780802828774

Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2010

Synopsis

Steven McKenzie here surveys the historical books of the Old Testament ― Joshua through Ezra-Nehemiah ― for their historical context, contents, form, and themes, communicating them clearly and succinctly for an introductory audience. / By providing a better understanding of biblical history writing in its ancient context, McKenzie helps readers come to terms with tensions between the Bible’s account and modern historical analyses. Rather than denying the results of historical research or dismissing its practitioners as wrongly motivated, he suggests that the source of the perceived discrepancy may lie not with the Bible but with the way in which it has been read. He also calls into question whether the genre of the Bible’s historical books has been properly understood.

About this title

About the Author

Steven L. McKenzie is professor of Hebrew Bible and Old Testament at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. He is the author and editor of 18 books, including King David: A Biography, How to Read the Bible, and (with John Kaltner and Joel Kilpatrick) The U

Review

John Van Seters 
— University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
"Steven McKenzie is an internationally respected authority on the historical books of the Old Testament. His book is written for the novice, and with great pedagogical skill it explains and illustrates the various scholarly methods used to interpret these biblical books. At the same time he clearly articulates the major themes and ideologies of the ancient biblical historians. Highly recommended as a textbook and study guide for this part of the Bible."

Alice W. Hunt
— Chicago Theological Seminary
"In this accessible volume Steven McKenzie brings fresh questions, insights, and scholarship to what have traditionally been understood as the historical books of the Bible, providing an effective introduction to complicated issues. He engages traditional scholarship with more recent advancements in textual analysis, material culture, literary analysis, historiography, and cultural studies. . . Should be read by anyone who wants a sound initiation into study of the Bible."

Baruch Halpern
— Pennsylvania State University
'In full view of worldwide issues, McKenzie's guide to the historical books of the Bible furnishes a sound introduction. He lays out fairly the boundaries of current popular discussion and allows readers the freedom of decision. This primer for undergraduate audiences will be a surprise for those to whom the discussion is new. It is lucid, appropriately brief, and challenging."

J. Maxwell Miller
— Emory University
"More than simply an introduction to the historical books, this compact and very readable volume also opens a window into biblical scholarship as currently practiced in leading seminaries and universities — methodologies used, issues debated, and recent trends. An extremely good work!"

Edition details

• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0802828779
• ISBN 13: 9780802828774
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 177