College Press NIV Commentary Series is formatted with a verse-by-verse explanation of the text. It was developed for both the scholar and the average Bible student. The College Press NIV Commentary Series is the only full commentary set in print from the Restoration Movement. Each volume (41 volumes for the Old & New Testament) contains the following helpful features:

• Biblically sound exegesis
• Clear exposition
• Objective approach
• Concise introduction
• New International Version of the Bible
• Key word translation
• Easy to use design format
• Practical footnotes
• And more!

Overview

An introduction is a type of book that treats the individual books of the Old Testament one by one, giving attention to such issues as authorship, date, and purpose.

The content of each chapter is organized according to nine headings: 

• Bibliography
• Historical & Cultural Background
• History of Interpretation
• Text & Authorship
• Structure
• Genre
• Theological Emphases
• Significance for the New Testament
• Special Issues

Several authors added a final section to their chapter, dealing with issues raised by a specific book. Dr. Manor, for example ended his chapter on Kings with a special section entitled, "Historical Reliability of the Records." This addition is apropos given the historical nature of the book of Kings.

This volume is written with several presuppositions about Scripture. First, the Bible is the Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit. "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Second, the Bible is trustworthy and true. In the Pastorals Paul repeatedly affirms, "Here is a trustworthy saying" (1 Tim 1:15, 3:1, 4:9; 2 Tim 2:11; Titus 3:8). This is our contention for the entire Bible, as it was for Paul. He wrote, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim 3:16-17).

Third, the Bible is not contradictory. Even though multiple human authors contributed to the Bible, from differing periods of time, using diverse genres, the biblical message is consistent. The Bible is the witness of the Father to the Son (John 5:39) through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:6-15).

Our desire in these pages is to provide a resource for your study of the Old Testament that will benefit you, whether you are preparing a Bible school lesson, a sermon, a college course, or even your personal devotions.

This volume is dedicated to the praise of God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. 

Old Testament Introduction has 619 pages.
ISBN: 978-089900-896-8

WEB-896

About the Editors

Five men have collaborated in the writing of this volume.

Dr. Randall C. Bailey, Associate Professor at the V.P. Black School of Biblical Studies, Faulkner University, in Montgomery, Alabama, contributed the chapters on the five books of the Pentateuch and the Book of Daniel.

Dr. Dale W. Manor, Associate Professor at the College of Bible and Religion, Harding University, in Searcy, Arkansas, contributed the chapters on the Historical Books --Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Esther. Dr. Manor is also the Field Director of the Tell Beth-Shemesh excavation in Israel. Not surprisingly, the introductory section on archaeology is also his contribution.

Dr. Gary H. Hall, Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Lincoln Christian Seminary, in Lincoln, Illinois, wrote the chapters on the prophetic material.

Dr. Walter D. Zorn, also from Lincoln Christian College and Seminary, contributed chapters on Psalms, Job, and Song of Songs.

Dr. Mark J. Mangano, also from Lincoln Christian College and Seminary, contributed three introductory sections, as well as the chapters on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. He also served as the editor of the project.