Introduction to the Old Testament; With a Comprehensive Review of Old Testament Studies and a Special Supplement on the Apocrypha

by R.K. Harrison

Book Overview

"An Indispensable Resource for Old Testament Studies" The present work is an attempt to evaluate the contents of the Old Testament and the Apocrypha against the vast background of knowledge that is... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802831079
• Release Date: January 1979
• Publisher: Eerdmans Pub Co
• Weight: 3.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 2.3" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Great book that can be had for a song!

Just get a used copy of this and forget about all the expensive new books on this subject. Harrison's version is as good as it can get, and you will save lots of money. Go ahead and thank the Lord for pointing you to this review and take it to heart.

Book details

Just to inform everyone, the Vol. 1 [paperback] edition, ends with PART EIGHT: THE PENTATEUCH, and is 662 pages. I searched for Vol. 2 but it seems as if it is not available. These are reprints by Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (First printing, September 1969; Reprinted, June 1979). Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., publishes the hardcover edition in arrangement with Eerdmans. It contains both volumes, topping out at 1335 pages. I own both of the books listed above - the format is identical, the font is a nice readable size, and the paper quality is good. The paperback edition just edges out over the hardcover because the printing stock is an eggshell color whereas the other is white. A very minor detail for sure, but when reading for an extended period, the off-whites are easier on the eyes. Finally, might I humbly suggest two sources for a solid start on understanding the OT are the volume listed above and "Kingdom Prologue, by Meredith G. Kline".

Start with THIS book for Old Testament studies

A handful of years ago Thomas Thompson (of the Copenhagen School) wrote a message on an Internet listserv that he did not consider Roland K. Harrison to be a historian. However that was about 1995 and Harrison's book is from 1969 when the issues of historicity were not the same.Harrison begins his "introduction" (the book runs over 1300 pages) with a review of the development of Old Testament study. A special chapter is dedicated to the Graf-Wellhausen hypothesis and another chapter to reactions to the same. This section is followed by ones on archaeology, chronology, and the text and canon of the Old Testament. Following sections deal with Old Testament history, religion, and theology.After almost 500 pages, Harrison begins to deal with the books of the Old Testament beginning with the Pentateuch. This is followed by sections of the prophets and the writings, the other two sections of the Tanakh. Finally comes a section on the Apocrypha. Needless to say Harrison's Introduction is thorough. His includes some 400 pages more than that of Robert Pfeiffer and 850 pages more than Osterley and Robinson. THIS book is the place to start for anyone interested in what we call Old Testament studies.

Best introduction to the Old Testament

If you want a quick and easy intro to the Old Testament, do not buy this book, as it is long and detailed. If you are a serious student of the scriptures who wants as good of an intro as possible to aid your understanding of the Old Testament, then this is the book for you. This is one of the few academic works about which I can actually say that it made a true difference in my confidence about the truth of Christianity. Highly recommended.