John H. Walton

In this astute mix of cultural critique and biblical studies, John H. Walton presents and defends twenty propositions supporting a literary and theological understanding of Genesis 1 within the context of the ancient Near Eastern world and unpacks its implications for our modern scientific understanding of origins. Ideal for students, professors, pastors and lay readers with an interest in the intelligent design controversy and creation-evolution debates, Walton's thoughtful analysis unpacks seldom appreciated aspects of the biblical text and sets Bible-believing scientists free to investigate the question of origins.

Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate

The Lost World of Genesis One

The Lost World of Adam and Eve enters into the debate over the Bible and human origins. Adam and Eve emerge as archetypal but real individuals chosen for roles and functions. The details of the Genesis story take on sharper definition as they are backlit by ancient Near Eastern thinking, and invite our full engagement with the science.

Genesis 2-3 and the Human Origins Debate

The Lost World of Adam and Eve

Ronald E. Osborn

Biblical Literalism and the Problem of Animal Suffering

Death Before the Fall

Brent Sandy

Walton and Sandy summarize what we know of orality and oral tradition as well as the composition and transmission of texts in the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world, and how this shapes our understanding of the Old and New Testaments. The authors then translate these insights into a helpful model for understanding the reliability of Scripture.

Ancient Literary Culture and Biblical Authority

The Lost World of Scripture

Tremper Longman III

The Genesis flood account has been probed and analyzed for centuries. But what might the biblical author have been saying to his ancient audience? In order to rediscover the biblical flood, we must set aside our own cultural and interpretive assumptions and visit the distant world of the ancient Near East. Walton and Longman lead us on this enlightening journey toward a more responsible reading of a timeless biblical narrative.

Mythology, Theology, and the Deluge Debate

The Lost World of the Flood

Andrew E. Hill

A Survey of the Old Testament goes far beyond simply rephrasing biblical material to provide balanced insights on the literary, historical, and theological issues of each Old Testament book and of the Old Testament as a whole. This revised edition makes the exceptional scope of the first edition more accessible to contemporary readers. A redesigned interior complete with new visuals--maps, photos, timelines, and charts--makes this book more attractive and useful than ever. Treating the books of the Old Testament in the order of the English canon, A Survey of the Old Testament explores the purpose and message of each book and shows how its literary structure has been applied to accomplish the intention of its inspired author. The book also introduces the reader to issues such as Israelite and Near Eastern history, archaeology, the formation of the canon, and geography Written by two widely respected scholars and educators, A Survey of the Old Testament is designed to help readers develop a broad grasp of the Old Testament.

A Survey of the Old Testament

The essential Bible companion

Gregory A. Boyd

C. John Collins

Denis Lamoureux

William D. Barrick

Four Views on the Historical Adam

J. Harvey Walton

To modern eyes, what we call the biblical law, or Torah, seems either odd beyond comprehension (not eating lobster) or positively reprehensible (executing children). Using a consistent methodology to look at the Torah through the lens of the ancient Near East, Walton and Walton offer a restorative understanding that will have dramatic effects in interpreting the text and in discerning the significance of the Torah for today.

Law as Covenant and Wisdom in Ancient Context

The Lost World of the Torah

This innovative textbook at long last provides an Old Testament survey for undergraduate students that goes beyond basic content. The book attempts to balance the literary, historical, and theological issues pertaining to each individual book and to the Old Testament as a whole. The main portion of the survey treats each book of the Old Testament in the order of the English canon. This information does not simply rehash the biblical material, but assumes that the Scriptures are being read alongside the survey. The book focuses its primary attention on the purpose and message of each book and attempts to show how the literary structure of each one has been used to accomplish the author's purpose. The survey also introduces readers to the issues of hermeneutics (general and special), history (Israelite and Near Eastern), archaeology, canon, geography, Old Testament theology (biblical and systematic), and critical methodologies. All these issues are dealt with in separate chapters at a basic introductory level that never allows the reader to lose sight, as it were, of the forest while wandering through the trees. In addressing critical issues of date and authorship, the survey avoids a polemical stance. Hill and Watson seek to depend on the evidence of the text rather than on presuppositions to substantiate their views. Their commitment to the authority of the biblical text results in a book that, while notably evangelical, is not always traditional. The authors approach the survey mindful of two complicating factors in Old Testament study. First, God's revelation did not come by way of the English language or through Western culture, and therefore we today have to work carefully to receive the message clearly. Second, even when we are listening, we have a tendency to be selective about what we hear or to try to make the message conform to our ideas. The solution is to allow the Bible to speak for itself. The informed reader will find much innovation here and a keen awareness of current scholarship relating to the Old Testament. Above all, this textbook will bring a new vigor and excitement to the Old Testament as readers learn to discover its story for themselves and see how to understand it as a substantial part of God's self-revelation to humankind. This survey is well illustrated with maps, charts, and photographs. Additional features are the questions for study and the annotated reading list at the end of each chapter.

Victor H. Matthews

Mark W. Chavalas

This unique commentary provides historical, social and cultural background for each passage of the Old Testament. From Genesis through Malachi, this single volume gathers and condenses an abundance of specialized knowledge, and includes a glossary, maps and charts, and expanded explanations of significant background issues.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament

This full-color textbook shows college students how the Old Testament uniquely reveals the God of the universe.

A Journey from Original Meaning to Contemporary Significance

Old Testament Today

Robert C. Bishop

Raymond J. Lewis

Larry L. Funck

Stephen O. Moshier

The question of origins remains a stumbling block for many. But just as the Psalmist gained insight into God's character through the observation of nature, modern scientific study can deepen and enrich our vision of the Creator and our place in his creation. In this often contentious field Bishop, Funck, Lewis, Moshier, and Walton serve as our able guides. Based on over two decades of teaching origins together in the classroom, the authors present a textbook exploring mainstream scientific theories of origins in astronomy, cosmology, chemistry, geology, biology, physical anthropology, and genetics. While many authors engage origins from a Christian perspective, this is the first work offering a full-fledged discussion of the scientific narrative of origins from the Big Bang through humankind, from biblical and theological perspectives accessible to a lay audience. Topics include Principles of biblical interpretation Close readings of relevant Genesis texts A comprehensive Trinitarian doctrine of creation Cosmic origins The geologic history of Earth The origin of life on Earth The origin of species and diversity of life Human origins New creation and creation care Science education Rather than the familiar scenario where science and faith compete, this book seeks to diffuse tensions by taking the inspiration and authority of the Bible seriously while respecting and honoring God's revelation through creation. Understanding Scientific Theories of Origins gives the reader a detailed picture of the sciences of origins along with how they fit into the story of God's creative and redemptive action. BioLogos Books on Science and Christianity invite us to see the harmony between the sciences and biblical faith on issues including cosmology, biology, paleontology, evolution, human origins, the environment, and more.

Cosmology, Geology, and Biology in Christian Perspective

Understanding Scientific Theories of Origins

What if reading Genesis 2–3 in its ancient Near Eastern context shows that the creation account makes no claims regarding Adam and Eve's material origins? John Walton's groundbreaking insights into this text create space for a faithful reading of Scripture along with full engagement with science, creating a new way forward in the human origins debate.

Noted scholar John Walton follows the three-tiered NIV Application Commentary format (Original Meaning, Bridging Contexts, and Contemporary Significance) to reveal how this first book of the Bible applies to us today.

Genesis

John W. Hilber

Jonathan S. Greer

This authoritative volume brings together a team of world-class scholars to cover the full range of Old Testament backgrounds studies in a concise, up-to-date, and comprehensive manner. With expertise in various subdisciplines of Old Testament backgrounds, the authors illuminate the cultural, social, and historical contexts of the world behind the Old Testament. They introduce readers to a wide range of background materials, covering history, geography, archaeology, and ancient Near Eastern textual and iconographic studies. Meant to be used alongside traditional literature-based canonical surveys, this one-stop introduction to Old Testament backgrounds fills a gap in typical introduction to the Bible courses. It contains over 100 illustrations, including photographs, line drawings, maps, charts, and tables, which will facilitate its use in the classroom.

Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts

Behind the Scenes of the Old Testament

Mark L. Strauss

Ted Cooper, Jr.

At your fingertips: the most vital information you need for reading and truly understanding the Bible. The Essential Bible Companion is a unique, easy-to-use reference guide that gives you clear, crisp insights into the Bible, book by book. Developed by two world-class Bible scholars and the creator of The Bible in 90 Days curriculum, this compact reference tool visually lays out the key details for each book of the Bible, including: Essential background information, such as the underlying purpose, the key terms and concepts, and the key teachings about God in that book. An easy-to-reference timeline of the book with callouts for notable events. Important people to know. Key verses, maps, and historical introductions. Between the brief introductions you might find in a study Bible and the overwhelming amount of detail in an exhaustive reference handbook or commentary, The Essential Bible Companion strikes the perfect balance of manageable information that doesn't distract or detract from Scripture itself. This richly informative volume will assist you on your journey toward a well-grounded biblical faith.

Key Insights for Reading God's Word

The Essential Bible Companion

Leading evangelical scholar John Walton surveys the cultural context of the ancient Near East, bringing insight to the interpretation of specific Old Testament passages. This new edition of a top-selling textbook has been thoroughly updated and revised throughout to reflect the refined thinking of a mature scholar. It includes over 30 illustrations. Students and pastors who want to deepen their understanding of the Old Testament will find this a helpful and instructive study.

Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible

Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament

Kim E. Walton

This handbook assists Sunday school teachers and parents to teach Bible stories in such a way that the authoritative teaching of Scripture shines forth. Each of the 175 lessons includes story focus and application, historical background, interpretational issues, and more.

John H. Walton

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