The Old Testament: A Concise Introduction

by Brent A. Strawn

Publisher:

Taylor and Francis

, 2019

Overview

This concise volume introduces readers to the three main sections of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and to the biblical books found in each. It is organized around two primary “stories” the story that scholars tell about the Old Testament and the story the literature itself tells. Concluding with a reconsideration of the Old Testament as more like poetry than a story, three main chapters cover:

• The Pentateuch (Torah)
• The Prophets (Neviʾim)
• The Writings (Ketuvim)

With key summaries of what the parts of the Old Testament “are all about,” and including suggestions for further reading, this volume is an ideal introduction for students of and newcomers to the Old Testament.

Key Features

• Introduces the three main sections of the Hebrew Bible and their respective books
• Explores the contrasting narratives told by biblical scholarship versus the literature itself
• Provides concise summaries and reading suggestions tailored for students and newcomers

Contents

• Chapter 1 The Story of the Old Testament and the Old Testament as Story
• Chapter 2 The Pentateuch (Torah)
• Chapter 3 The Prophets (Neviʾim)
• Chapter 4 The Writings (Ketuvim)
• Chapter 5 From Story to Song
• List of Introductions to the Old Testament and Other Useful Works

Product Details

• Title: The Old Testament: A Concise Introduction
• Author: Brent A. Strawn
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Print Publication Date: 2019
• Logos Release Date: 2026
• Pages: 226
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subject: Bible. Old Testament—Introductions
• ISBNs: 9780203075692, 9780415643009, 9780415642996, 0203075692, 0415643007, 041564299X
• Resource ID: LLS:LDTSTMNTNTRDCTNTF
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2026-01-06T18:48:51Z

About Brent A. Strawn

Brent A. Strawn is Professor of Old Testament and Professor of Law at Duke University. Previously, he was the William Ragsdale Cannon Distinguished Professor of Old Testament at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is the author of numerous articles, chapters, and books, including The Old Testament Is Dying: A Diagnosis and Recommended Treatment and The Old Testament: A Concise Introduction.