Stanley E. Porter offers a keynote contribution to this collection of essays on the various issues involved in translation of the Bible, and when accurately rendering the message of the Bible when words seem to obfuscate, rather than enhance, clarity. Contributions offer a survey of the current versions of the Gospels available, with commentary and analysis of their success and popularity. Particular attention is given to the Contemporary English Version (CEV), with a critical review provided of the reviews of this Bible translation to date.

Stanley E. Porter offers a keynote contribution to this collection of essays on the various issues involved in translation of the Bible, and when accurately rendering the message of the Bible when words seem to obfuscate, rather than enhance, clarity. Contributions offer a survey of the current versions of the Gospels available, with commentary and analysis of their success and popularity. Particular attention is given to the Contemporary English Version (CEV), with a critical review provided of the reviews of this Bible translation to date.

What does the Bible say about the importance of the family? How can we apply these ancient perspectives to modern Christian life? The essays gathered in this volume provide reflections from leading biblical scholars.The authors focus on reading the Scriptures from the perspective of the authors in ancient Israelite society and the surrounding cultures. They find there an overarching sense of the central role the family played in the larger social structure. However different our contemporary culture might be, these reflections can form the basis of an evangelical vision of the family informed by a biblical worldview.

A Respected Scholar Introduces Students to the Discipline of Old Testament StudiesRichard Hess, a trusted scholar of the Old Testament and the ancient Near East, offers a substantial introduction to the Old Testament that is accessibly written and informed by the latest biblical scholarship. Hess summarizes the contents of the Old Testament, introduces the academic study of the discipline, and helps readers understand the complex world of critical and interpretive issues, addressing major concerns in the critical interpretation of each Old Testament book and key texts.This volume provides a fulsome treatment for students preparing for ministry and assumes no prior knowledge of the Old Testament. Readers will learn how each book of the Old Testament was understood by its first readers, how it advances the larger message of the whole Bible, and what its message contributes to Christian belief and the Christian community. Twenty maps, ninety photos, sidebars, and recommendations for further study add to the book's usefulness for students. Resources for professors are available through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.

This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable.Zion, city of our God gathers studies by an international team of scholars that help portray the full significance of Jerusalem in the First Temple period of the Old Testament. John M. Monson explores Jerusalem's temple of Solomon in its original ancient Near Eastern context. Richard S. Hess looks at one of the most important events in the Bible's record of pre-exilic Jerusalem - Sennacherib's attack on the city. Martin J. Selman and Gary N. Knoppers outline the theological significance of Jerusalem in the books of Chronicles, providing as well a summary statement on the key role of the city in the entire Old Testament. Thomas Renz examines the Zion tradition as it underwent its greatest challenge, the fall of Jerusalem. Philip E. Satterthwaite and Knut M. Heim describe Jerusalem's place in the poetry of the Hebrew Bible, giving special attention, respectively, to the Songs of Ascents and Lamentations. Lastly, Rebecca Doyle discusses what Ugaritic, Old Testament, and other texts tell us about the cult of Molek and the worship of this god in Jerusalem.

This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. The Old Testament makes up three-quarters of the Bible and has had an incalculable influence on Western civilization and culture. Yet it is often neglected by the church, problematic for teachers, and inaccessible to students. Written by experienced scholars and educators from five continents, Make the Old Testament Live offers fresh perspectives on teaching the Old Testament today. Addressing problems of curriculum, context, and communication, these essays discuss such topics as which parts of the Old Testament should be taught, what approaches work best with each level of students, and what modern educational methods are best for teaching the Bible. Practical, insightful, and based on years of classroom experience in institutions ranging from seminaries to secular universities, this volume will enable all teachers of the Bible or theology to make the Old Testament more vital for their students.

Explore the contemporary significance of the Old Testament and hear the Word of God afreshRichard Hess has written an insightful commentary on one of the most intriguing books of the Bible, which celebrates God''s gift of love.In addition to paragraph-level commentary, all volumes of the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament series feature:● A fresh translation of the Hebrew text● Incisive comments based on the author''s translation● Linguistic, historical, and canonical insights● Concluding reflections● Footnotes addressing technical mattersPastors, teachers, and all serious students of the Bible will find here an accessible commentary that will serve as an excellent resource for their study.

The history of Israel is a much-debated topic in Old Testament studies. On one side are minimalists who find little of historical value in the Hebrew Bible. On the other side are those who assume the biblical text is a precise historical record. Many serious students of the Bible find themselves between these two positions and would benefit from a careful exploration of issues in Israelite history.This substantive history of Israel textbook values the Bible''s historical contribution without overlooking critical issues and challenges. Featuring the latest scholarship, the book introduces students to the current state of research on issues relevant to the study of ancient Israel. The editors and contributors, all top biblical scholars and historians, discuss historical evidence in a readable manner, using both canonical and chronological lenses to explore Israelite history.Illustrative items, such as maps and images, visually support the book''s content. Tables and sidebars are also included.

A Respected Scholar Introduces Students to the Discipline of Old Testament StudiesRichard Hess, a trusted scholar of the Old Testament and the ancient Near East, offers a substantial introduction to the Old Testament that is accessibly written and informed by the latest biblical scholarship. Hess summarizes the contents of the Old Testament, introduces the academic study of the discipline, and helps readers understand the complex world of critical and interpretive issues, addressing major concerns in the critical interpretation of each Old Testament book and key texts.This volume provides a fulsome treatment for students preparing for ministry and assumes no prior knowledge of the Old Testament. Readers will learn how each book of the Old Testament was understood by its first readers, how it advances the larger message of the whole Bible, and what its message contributes to Christian belief and the Christian community. Twenty maps, ninety photos, sidebars, and recommendations for further study add to the book''s usefulness for students. Resources for professors are available through Baker Academic''s Textbook eSources.

The history of Israel is a much-debated topic in Old Testament studies. On one side are minimalists who find little of historical value in the Hebrew Bible. On the other side are those who assume the biblical text is a precise historical record. Many serious students of the Bible find themselves between these two positions and would benefit from a careful exploration of issues in Israelite history.This substantive history of Israel textbook values the Bible's historical contribution without overlooking critical issues and challenges. Featuring the latest scholarship, the book introduces students to the current state of research on issues relevant to the study of ancient Israel. The editors and contributors, all top biblical scholars and historians, discuss historical evidence in a readable manner, using both canonical and chronological lenses to explore Israelite history.Illustrative items, such as maps and images, visually support the book's content. Tables and sidebars are also included.

Genesis 1–11 is a text that may well have received more attention than any other in the history of literature. Nevertheless, what do we know about the personal names that occur in these chapters and whose influence has permeated all of Western literature? Hess provides a thorough investigation of the ancient Near Eastern background of these names and discusses how each played a key role in adding significance to the stories and genealogies in which they are found. By studying both the linguistic contexts in the surrounding cultures and the wordplay in the biblical texts, the author provides the first comprehensive study of the importance of these names and traces the implications of his results for the antiquity and power of the familiar stories in which they appear.

This volume collects the best of recent research and classic essays on the Primeval History, including several articles that have not appeared heretofore in English. The articles provide students and scholars with easy access to significant scholarship illuminating both the world outside the text and the world within the text.

"e;This volume is exemplary of evangelical scholarship at its best. The theme is pertinent, indeed basic, to all expressions of Christianity, and the contributors engage their subject with the passionate inquiry and critical acumen it deserves. The essays are comprehensive in scope but unpredictable in conclusion, displaying a diversity of perspective united only by common allegiance to the advancement of biblical understanding. Anyone interested in biblical prophecy or a historical understanding of Jesus will find here a useful survey of the relevant materials and some surprising new insights."e;--Mark Allan Powell,Trinity Lutheran Seminary"e;Israel's Messiah is a very timely, helpful work on one of the more important topics for our day. In fairly short compass, it manages to cover nearly everything the student will want to know about the development of the messianic idea in Judaism and the early church. It is a must reading!"e;--Grant R. Osborne,Trinity Evangelical Divinity School"e;There has been a notion circulating in certain circles of New Testament scholarship that the concept of a messiah was of little significance in early Judaism. This volume helps dispel that notion and in the process gives us some keen insight into how the messianic material in the New Testament fits into the larger matrix of Old Testament and early Jewish messianic thought. Highly recommended."e;--Ben Witherington III,Asbury Theological Seminary"e;The complexities of biblical scholarship are all too often hidden from most students of the Bible. This collection of essays, however, opens up contemporary issues concerning the concept of the messiah. The main authors and respondents offer helpful and insightful presentations on the messiahship of Jesus Christ. The format of essays and responses enriches the volume by permitting the reader to weigh differing viewpoints on the vitally important topic. Here we have constructive, critical, evangelical scholarship of the highest quality."e;--T. D. Alexander,Union Theological College,Belfast, Ireland

Stanley E. Porter offers a keynote contribution to this collection of essays on the various issues involved in translation of the Bible, and when accurately rendering the message of the Bible when words seem to obfuscate, rather than enhance, clarity. Contributions offer a survey of the current versions of the Gospels available, with commentary and analysis of their success and popularity. Particular attention is given to the Contemporary English Version (CEV), with a critical review provided of the reviews of this Bible translation to date.

Stanley E. Porter offers a keynote contribution to this collection of essays on the various issues involved in translation of the Bible, and when accurately rendering the message of the Bible when words seem to obfuscate, rather than enhance, clarity. Contributions offer a survey of the current versions of the Gospels available, with commentary and analysis of their success and popularity. Particular attention is given to the Contemporary English Version (CEV), with a critical review provided of the reviews of this Bible translation to date.

What does the Bible say about the importance of the family? How can we apply these ancient perspectives to modern Christian life? The essays gathered in this volume provide reflections from leading biblical scholars.The authors focus on reading the Scriptures from the perspective of the authors in ancient Israelite society and the surrounding cultures. They find there an overarching sense of the central role the family played in the larger social structure. However different our contemporary culture might be, these reflections can form the basis of an evangelical vision of the family informed by a biblical worldview.

A Respected Scholar Introduces Students to the Discipline of Old Testament StudiesRichard Hess, a trusted scholar of the Old Testament and the ancient Near East, offers a substantial introduction to the Old Testament that is accessibly written and informed by the latest biblical scholarship. Hess summarizes the contents of the Old Testament, introduces the academic study of the discipline, and helps readers understand the complex world of critical and interpretive issues, addressing major concerns in the critical interpretation of each Old Testament book and key texts.This volume provides a fulsome treatment for students preparing for ministry and assumes no prior knowledge of the Old Testament. Readers will learn how each book of the Old Testament was understood by its first readers, how it advances the larger message of the whole Bible, and what its message contributes to Christian belief and the Christian community. Twenty maps, ninety photos, sidebars, and recommendations for further study add to the book's usefulness for students. Resources for professors are available through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.

This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable.Zion, city of our God gathers studies by an international team of scholars that help portray the full significance of Jerusalem in the First Temple period of the Old Testament. John M. Monson explores Jerusalem's temple of Solomon in its original ancient Near Eastern context. Richard S. Hess looks at one of the most important events in the Bible's record of pre-exilic Jerusalem - Sennacherib's attack on the city. Martin J. Selman and Gary N. Knoppers outline the theological significance of Jerusalem in the books of Chronicles, providing as well a summary statement on the key role of the city in the entire Old Testament. Thomas Renz examines the Zion tradition as it underwent its greatest challenge, the fall of Jerusalem. Philip E. Satterthwaite and Knut M. Heim describe Jerusalem's place in the poetry of the Hebrew Bible, giving special attention, respectively, to the Songs of Ascents and Lamentations. Lastly, Rebecca Doyle discusses what Ugaritic, Old Testament, and other texts tell us about the cult of Molek and the worship of this god in Jerusalem.

This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable. The Old Testament makes up three-quarters of the Bible and has had an incalculable influence on Western civilization and culture. Yet it is often neglected by the church, problematic for teachers, and inaccessible to students. Written by experienced scholars and educators from five continents, Make the Old Testament Live offers fresh perspectives on teaching the Old Testament today. Addressing problems of curriculum, context, and communication, these essays discuss such topics as which parts of the Old Testament should be taught, what approaches work best with each level of students, and what modern educational methods are best for teaching the Bible. Practical, insightful, and based on years of classroom experience in institutions ranging from seminaries to secular universities, this volume will enable all teachers of the Bible or theology to make the Old Testament more vital for their students.

Explore the contemporary significance of the Old Testament and hear the Word of God afreshRichard Hess has written an insightful commentary on one of the most intriguing books of the Bible, which celebrates God''s gift of love.In addition to paragraph-level commentary, all volumes of the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament series feature:● A fresh translation of the Hebrew text● Incisive comments based on the author''s translation● Linguistic, historical, and canonical insights● Concluding reflections● Footnotes addressing technical mattersPastors, teachers, and all serious students of the Bible will find here an accessible commentary that will serve as an excellent resource for their study.

The history of Israel is a much-debated topic in Old Testament studies. On one side are minimalists who find little of historical value in the Hebrew Bible. On the other side are those who assume the biblical text is a precise historical record. Many serious students of the Bible find themselves between these two positions and would benefit from a careful exploration of issues in Israelite history.This substantive history of Israel textbook values the Bible''s historical contribution without overlooking critical issues and challenges. Featuring the latest scholarship, the book introduces students to the current state of research on issues relevant to the study of ancient Israel. The editors and contributors, all top biblical scholars and historians, discuss historical evidence in a readable manner, using both canonical and chronological lenses to explore Israelite history.Illustrative items, such as maps and images, visually support the book''s content. Tables and sidebars are also included.

A Respected Scholar Introduces Students to the Discipline of Old Testament StudiesRichard Hess, a trusted scholar of the Old Testament and the ancient Near East, offers a substantial introduction to the Old Testament that is accessibly written and informed by the latest biblical scholarship. Hess summarizes the contents of the Old Testament, introduces the academic study of the discipline, and helps readers understand the complex world of critical and interpretive issues, addressing major concerns in the critical interpretation of each Old Testament book and key texts.This volume provides a fulsome treatment for students preparing for ministry and assumes no prior knowledge of the Old Testament. Readers will learn how each book of the Old Testament was understood by its first readers, how it advances the larger message of the whole Bible, and what its message contributes to Christian belief and the Christian community. Twenty maps, ninety photos, sidebars, and recommendations for further study add to the book''s usefulness for students. Resources for professors are available through Baker Academic''s Textbook eSources.

The history of Israel is a much-debated topic in Old Testament studies. On one side are minimalists who find little of historical value in the Hebrew Bible. On the other side are those who assume the biblical text is a precise historical record. Many serious students of the Bible find themselves between these two positions and would benefit from a careful exploration of issues in Israelite history.This substantive history of Israel textbook values the Bible's historical contribution without overlooking critical issues and challenges. Featuring the latest scholarship, the book introduces students to the current state of research on issues relevant to the study of ancient Israel. The editors and contributors, all top biblical scholars and historians, discuss historical evidence in a readable manner, using both canonical and chronological lenses to explore Israelite history.Illustrative items, such as maps and images, visually support the book's content. Tables and sidebars are also included.

Genesis 1–11 is a text that may well have received more attention than any other in the history of literature. Nevertheless, what do we know about the personal names that occur in these chapters and whose influence has permeated all of Western literature? Hess provides a thorough investigation of the ancient Near Eastern background of these names and discusses how each played a key role in adding significance to the stories and genealogies in which they are found. By studying both the linguistic contexts in the surrounding cultures and the wordplay in the biblical texts, the author provides the first comprehensive study of the importance of these names and traces the implications of his results for the antiquity and power of the familiar stories in which they appear.

This volume collects the best of recent research and classic essays on the Primeval History, including several articles that have not appeared heretofore in English. The articles provide students and scholars with easy access to significant scholarship illuminating both the world outside the text and the world within the text.

"e;This volume is exemplary of evangelical scholarship at its best. The theme is pertinent, indeed basic, to all expressions of Christianity, and the contributors engage their subject with the passionate inquiry and critical acumen it deserves. The essays are comprehensive in scope but unpredictable in conclusion, displaying a diversity of perspective united only by common allegiance to the advancement of biblical understanding. Anyone interested in biblical prophecy or a historical understanding of Jesus will find here a useful survey of the relevant materials and some surprising new insights."e;--Mark Allan Powell,Trinity Lutheran Seminary"e;Israel's Messiah is a very timely, helpful work on one of the more important topics for our day. In fairly short compass, it manages to cover nearly everything the student will want to know about the development of the messianic idea in Judaism and the early church. It is a must reading!"e;--Grant R. Osborne,Trinity Evangelical Divinity School"e;There has been a notion circulating in certain circles of New Testament scholarship that the concept of a messiah was of little significance in early Judaism. This volume helps dispel that notion and in the process gives us some keen insight into how the messianic material in the New Testament fits into the larger matrix of Old Testament and early Jewish messianic thought. Highly recommended."e;--Ben Witherington III,Asbury Theological Seminary"e;The complexities of biblical scholarship are all too often hidden from most students of the Bible. This collection of essays, however, opens up contemporary issues concerning the concept of the messiah. The main authors and respondents offer helpful and insightful presentations on the messiahship of Jesus Christ. The format of essays and responses enriches the volume by permitting the reader to weigh differing viewpoints on the vitally important topic. Here we have constructive, critical, evangelical scholarship of the highest quality."e;--T. D. Alexander,Union Theological College,Belfast, Ireland