The Old Testament: Text and Context

This substantially updated fourth edition of a classroom standard provides students with an accessible introduction to the literature, history, and social context of the Old Testament.

Written by two seasoned Old Testament professors with distinguished careers, this book pays attention to methodology, archaeology, history, and literary genre. The fourth edition brings archaeology up to date with current discoveries and methods and incorporates new insights from current scholarship. This edition has been restructured to increase its usability in one-semester classes on the Old Testament, improving the book’s usefulness for instructors. The book also maintains its student-focused orientation, with revisions throughout to increase its readability.

The Old Testament: Text and Context is designed to assist students who are encountering the material for the first time. It includes helpful illustrations, sidebars, maps, study questions, and enrichment activities, making it well suited for undergraduate-level Old Testament courses in university and college settings.

Victor H. Matthews (PhD, Brandeis University) is professor emeritus of religious studies at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. He served as dean of the College of Humanities and Public Affairs for 14 years. Matthews is the author of 20 books and dozens of scholarly articles.

James C. Moyer (PhD, Brandeis University) is professor emeritus of religious studies at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, where he served as department head of religious studies for over 20 years.