The Old Testament: Text and Context

The Old Testament: Text and Context examines the literature, history, and social context of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and their relevance for making sense of this ancient collection. Particular attention is paid to the original Mediterranean context and to how that differs from our modern Western culture; the significance of critical scholarly methods as well as the value of archaeology are likewise explored.

By focusing on four fundamental themes in the biblical narratives—covenant, universalism, wisdom, and remnant—the authors help readers to appreciate the unity and diversity within the Hebrew Bible.

"It has been said that the way to find a good textbook for an introductory course is to write it yourself. Victor Matthews and James Moyer have done that for those of us who are interested in a social science approach to the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. They have employed both historical and literary critical approaches with competence and insight. The result is a comprehensive introduction to a very complex collection of writings. Beginning students will find the text both readable and informative. The maps, charts, and glossary add to the usefulness of this fine book."
—Dianne Bergant, CSA, Catholic Theological Union

"Matthews and Moyer, veteran teachers themselves, have designed this book with the realities of the classroom in mind. They presuppose students with traditional religious backgrounds and use the biblical canon itself as their basic outline. Along the way, carefully and cautiously, they introduce the fundamentals of modern critical scholarship. This format and approach allows the teacher and students considerable flexibility in pursuing critical issues.
—Max Miller, Emory University

Victor H. Matthews is professor of religious studies at Southwestern Missouri State University. He received a Ph.D. from Brandeis University and has written numerous popular as well as scholarly articles. He is the author of Manners and Customs in the Bible, and co-author of Old Testament Parallels: Laws and Stories from the Ancient Near East, and The Social World of Ancient Israel.

James C. Moyer is professor of religious studies at Southwestern Missouri State University. He received a Ph.D. from Brandeis University and has written numerous popular as well as scholarly articles.