Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction

Lawrence Boadt’s Reading the Old Testament was recognized as a classic almost from its date of publication in 1984. Without in any way diminishing its famed clarity, judiciousness, and theological depth, two prominent scholars, Richard Clifford and Daniel Harrington, have brought the book into the twenty-first century. In this new revised and updated edition, they have: • Updated the archaeological reports • Incorporated the research of the last three decades of biblical scholarship • Supplied new or redrawn illustrations and maps • Increased attention to Jewish-Christian biblical interpretations • Continued the Christian-Jewish dialogue that was a feature of the original “Larry Boadt was a long-time generative force in Old Testament study. This book, as a part of his legacy, assures that his influence will continue to be generative and rewarding for those who seriously engage his work....This is, in sum, a major offer for serious, faithful reading, and we may be grateful that it is now issued in a new, welcome edition.” ―Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia “We owe a great debt of gratitude to Richard Clifford and Daniel Harrington for bringing this classic introduction to new life. It still speaks with the clarity of Larry Boadt, but with new energy.” ―Irene Nowell, St. John’s University “Richard Clifford and Daniel Harrington were the right persons to revise this book. Like Larry Boadt, they are most accomplished scholars and teachers with a keen pastoral sense. Leading people to appreciate the Bible was Larry Boadt’s mission in life. This book is a fitting tribute to his fidelity to this mission." ―Leslie J. Hoppe, OFM Catholic Theological Union "When Larry Boadt was asked why his book was so popular, he replied simply: 'I knew what students needed; I provided it.' The needs are still there and the book still provides for them. Since the book was written, much has changed in some areas of Old Testament study. Dick Clifford and Dan Harrington are well qualified to bring it up-to-date―and they have done a measured job." ―Antony F. Campbell, SJ Jesuit Theological College, Parkville, Australia †

Larry Boadt was a longtime generative force in Old Testament study. This book, as a part of his legacy, assures that his influence will continue to be generative and rewarding for those who seriously engage his work. Here he combines in the finest way the important gains of critical scholarship and the depth of faith that arises from the text. While tracing the text in a roughly historical sequence, there are important pauses in his study along the way in order to ponder the social background and contextual data that illuminate the text. This is, in sum, a major offer for serious, faithful reading, and we may be grateful that it is now issued in a new, welcome edition --Prof. Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia

This classic work by Lawrence Boadt has now been updated and improved by two great Catholic biblical scholars, Dick Clifford and Dan Harrington. Clifford and Harrington bring their vast wealth of biblical knowledge to improve on what was already a wonderfully clear and learned introduction to the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. As they put it in their preface, We want new generations of Bible readers to use what we regard as a masterpiece of critical and religious scholarship. And we want them to hear it in the voice of Larry Boadt. In this goal, Clifford and Harrington succeed brilliantly. This book is most highly recommended for students and lay people interested in learning and understanding God s word. --Prof. Mark S. Smith, New York University

Since its appearance in 1984, Lawrence Boadt s Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction has been a standard textbook for adult students of the Bible. It has led beginners through the tangle of the ancient Near Eastern world, and it has served as a resource for those more advanced in their studies. After almost twenty years, one might expect a revision to be significantly different than the original. However, Richard Clifford and Daniel Harrington found that Father s Boadt s organization, development, and interpretation have stood the test of time, thus demonstrating his exceptional biblical knowledge. The revision here is simply an updating. With this new publication students will continue to benefit from Father Boadt s expertise and insights, despite his untimely death. --Prof. Dianne Bergant, Catholic Theological Union