Introduction to the Old Testament

by R. K. Harrison

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1969

Overview

Harrison, writing from a conservative point of view, offers a thorough guide to the Old Testament for both scholar and novice. Thoroughly researched and fully documented, this superb volume begins with a lengthy section on the history of the criticism of the Old Testament, viewing the Hebrew Scriptures in the light of archaeology, chronology, history, religion and theology. Various views are presented regarding such issues as the authorship of the Pentateuch, the extent of the Deluge, and the date of the Exodus. This is followed by a detailed discussion of each Old Testament book, paying close attention to its historical background, authorship, and principal ideas. Harrison’s Introduction to the Old Testament also contains a lucid overview of the books in the Apocrypha, which has been included chiefly for Protestants who may never have had occasion to study these books and their influence on early Judaism.

Endorsements

Harrison’s Old Testament Introduction is the finest thing I have ever seen….In the forty years I taught Old Testament Introduction I never found a book I could recommend to my students. I am now heartily recommending this one.

—James L. Kelso, Professor Emeritus, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Harrison’s historical introduction regarding the past and present in Old Testament studies would be worth the purchase price of this volume. It is thorough and well done. However, following this is a marvelous evangelical statement of how the Old Testament was put together and how each book arrived at its present condition, plus an introduction to its theology and purpose. Harrison’s book is a standard and rightfully so. Read this book carefully, and then read it again.

—Rev. John D. White

Product Details

• Title: Introduction to the Old Testament
• Author: Roland Harrison
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1969
• Pages: 1,325

About R. K. Harrison

R. K. Harrison (1920–1993) was an Old Testament scholar who earned his Bachelor of Divinity, MTh, and PhD from the University of London. Harrison served as a professor of Old Testament studies at Wycliffe for over 20 years. He also taught at Clifton College and Huron College.

Harrison served on the Executive Review Committe of the New King James Version of the Bible. He also translated several of the Minor Prophets in the New International Version. 

Harrison was the general editor of the New International Commentary on the Old Testament, associate editor for the Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, and editor of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. He is the author of Introduction to the Old Testament and several commentary volumes, including one on Leviticus.