Eugene Merrill's An Historical Survey Of The Old Testament has long been used as a comprehensive but concise study of the first 39 books of the Bible. This second edition is updated to reflect recent discussion and research. Assured of the accuracy of the Old Testament, Merrill approaches it as God's revelation to the world through Israel, the chosen people. This historical structure provides the basic framework for his text, enriched by: Insights from the history of the Middle East; Geographic backgrounds; Archaeological perspectives; Cultural, religious, and social points of view. Introductory material examines the nature of the Old Testament and its literary genre, recounting a history of challenges to that credibility. Subsequent chapters isolate each epoch covered by the Old Testament, from creation through the postexilic period. Hebrew words are set in linguistic context. A short review of intertestamental history is also included. Eugene H. Merrill (Ph.D., Columbia University) is professor of Old Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.
