This textbook offers students who have no prior background in biblical studies an understanding of the lasting contribution of Israel's scriptures. Bringing a literary approach to the topic, it strikes a balance between historical reconstructions, comparative religions, and theology. Among several distinctive features, It traces the legacy of monotheism first emerging in the pages of Israel's scriptures as an enduring contribution for twenty-first century readers. Monotheism gives the volume an immediate relevance because the so-called Abrahamic religions are rooted in this concept. Whether one is Jewish, Christian, Muslim, or secularist, students will gain a new understanding of the origins of monotheism as their common heritage. The Second Edition of this textbook includes expanded discussions within the text and in sidebars, notably on the history of biblical scholarship, modern methods of interpretation, and wisdom literature.

• Addresses the cultural, societal, and philosophical facets of the ancient world in which the Old Testament was written, providing students with proper context for understanding what they read in the Old Testament
• This textbook explores issues of history, comparative religions, and sociology when these topics arise naturally from the text of the Old Testament, introducing students to the wide-ranging and most important aspects of the Old Testament as they are pertinent to today's readers
• It includes 72 illustrations, 20 maps, and sidebar discussions to aid student recall and understanding