Bernhard W. Anderson (1916–2007)

This is a very readable, yet intellectually respectable, introduction to the peoples and ideas of that collection of works we know as the Old Testament. Anderson makes no particular assumption as to the validity of the spiritual claims of its writers or readers so his work should be appreciated by a wide range of readers, believers, non-believers, and those lying somewhere in-between.

Why was Miriam severely punished for challenging Moses' authority while Aaron got off scot-free? There is no way to avoid the fact that the story presupposes a patriarchal society

Bernhard Anderson provides a well written examination of the Hebrew Bible from a historical point of view. While this book does not delve deeply into many texts, it serves as a great overview that can point the reader in the right direction for further research. Anderson’s introduction to the Hebrew Bible as well as his good analysis of the text in its context is useful for those who are unfamiliar with the text and those who have studied the Hebrew Bible before.

In this concise and accessible volume, introduces the Bible in eight carefully crafted study sessions, reminding even veteran readers of the Bible's central messages.