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Although many Catholics are familiar with the four Gospels and other writings of the New Testament, for most, reading the Old Testament is like walking into a foreign land. Who wrote these forty-six books? When were they written? Why were they written? What are we to make of their laws, stories, histories, and prophecies? Should the Old Testament be read by itself or in light of the New Testament?

John Bergsma and Brant Pitre offer readable in-depth answers to these questions as they introduce each book of the Old Testament. They not only examine the literature from a historical and cultural perspective but also interpret it theologically, drawing on the New Testament and the faith of the Catholic Church. Unique among introductions, this volume places the Old Testament in its liturgical context, showing how its passages are employed in the current Lectionary used at Mass.

Accessible to nonexperts, this thorough and up-to-date introduction to the Old Testament can serve as an idea textbook for biblical studies. Its unique approach, along with its maps, illustrations, and other reference materials, makes it a valuable resource for seminarians, priests, Scripture scholars, theologians, and catechists, as well as anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible.

Review

"A remarkable achievement. Substantive and systematic, it integrates history, theology, faith, reason, Scripture, and tradition—all in light of the living authority of the Church."
— Most Rev. Robert Barron,S.T.D., Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Founder, Word on Fire Ministries

"Truly a magnificent achievement. It offers one of the most desperately needed elements of a renewed biblical pedagogy, the restoration of the Old Testament to its rightfully indispensable place in the life of the Church."
— John C. Cavadini, Ph.D., Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame

"This book far outpaces the competition with its historical erudition and liturgical depth."
— Matthew Levering, Ph.D., James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

"Uses the tools of solid historical-critical methodologies and is deeply rooted in the patristic and medieval exegetical tradition. This work will prove to be an invaluable resource."
— Rev. James Wehner, S.T.D., Rector-President, Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans

"This is the introduction to the Old Testament I’ve been waiting for! It is up-to-date, erudite yet accessible, succinct yet thorough, and most importantly, it responds to the Church’s call for biblical scholarship done from a hermeneutic of faith."
— Mary Healy, Ph.D., Professor of Scripture, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit

"A comprehensive guide to navigating the Old Testament that synthesizes the best of historical-critical research, the history of interpretation across the centuries, and the living faith of God’s people."
— Rev. Christopher Ciccarino, S.S.L., S.T.D., Associate Dean, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology

"With lucid writing and scholarly attention, Bergsma and Pitre unpack the Scripture—acknowledging academic debates but always embracing magisterial teaching. Stupendous!"
— Rev. Dr. George E. Schultze, S.J., President-Rector, St. Patrick''s Seminary, Menlo Park, CA

"What sets this introduction to the Old Testament apart from many others is its integrated approach."
— Pablo T. Gadenz, S.T.D., Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Seton Hall University

"Comprehensive in scope, this judicious and magisterial volume, replete with extensive bibliographies, will be used in classrooms for years to come."
— Mark Giszczak, S.S.L., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sacred Scripture, Augustine Institute

"While written for Roman Catholics, this volume offers Protestants clear introductions to texts they rarely read and to the hermeneutic that underlies Roman Catholic theology."
— Daniel I. Block, D.Phil., Gunther H. Knoedler Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Wheaton College

"Carefully researched and...of benefit to biblical scholars of all kinds. The authors are judicious in...the way they deal with critical issues of composition and interpretation."
— Richard E. Averbeck, Ph.D., Professor of Old Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"This clear and remarkably thorough resource introduces the books belonging to the Roman Catholic canon of the Old Testament with insight and interpretive balance."
— Roy E. Gane, Ph.D., Professor of Hebrew Bible, Andrews University

About the Author

Brant Pitre, (Ph.D., University of Notre Dame), is Professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. He is the author of Jesus and the Last Supper, The Case for Jesus, and Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist.

John Bergsma, (Ph.D., University of Notre Dame), is Professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Senior Fellow at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He is the author of The Jubilee from Leviticus to Qumran (VTSup 115; Brill 2007)

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4.9 out of 54.9 out of 5479 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

Sylvia S.5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2018 This book is truly amazing! I even bought a second copy for my Priest who was very familiar with Dr. Pitre''s book, "Jewish roots of the Bible". At first I was a little intimidated until I saw Dr. Brant Pitre on a Catholic Productions Podcast. Going through the different... See more This book is truly amazing! I even bought a second copy for my Priest who was very familiar with Dr. Pitre''s book, "Jewish roots of the Bible". At first I was a little intimidated until I saw Dr. Brant Pitre on a Catholic Productions Podcast. Going through the different elements of the book helped me to understand how it integrates the historical, theological and spiritual with faith, reason, Scripture and the tradition of the Catholic Church. It not only examines the literature from a historical and cultural perspective but also interprets it theologically, drawing on the New Testament and faith of the Catholic Church. The book also includes a section on the current Lectionary used at Mass for each chapter as well as extensive bibliographies, maps, illustrations, and charts.

I love that this book is not only for Priests, seminarians, scholars, theologians, and catechists, it is also for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible. 88 people found this helpful Helpful Report Melekali5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Men of Faith Writing on Books of Faith Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2018 This is probably one of the best, fairest treatments in an intro to the OT I have ever read. The authors address prevailing thinking by scholars and evaluate them to come to conclusions. They reveal blindspots of scholars and provide alternative views of the issue most... See more This is probably one of the best, fairest treatments in an intro to the OT I have ever read. The authors address prevailing thinking by scholars and evaluate them to come to conclusions. They reveal blindspots of scholars and provide alternative views of the issue most other scholars don''t bother with. This gives the reader an honest assessment of the book or issue so the reader can make more educated decisions on what he or she believes about these issues. They also give relevant historical, liturgical and theological insights into the issues including philological information. I love this introduction. 44 people found this helpful Helpful Report Paula T5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Oh, why I didn''t have this earlier, like 20 years ago! Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2018 I have been for years looking for Catholic materials on Old Testament, something that is accessible to serious readers but not so academic beyond strength to persevere (and I work in a Catholic bookstore). I''d like to thank Dr. John Bergsma and Dr. Brant Pitre for the... See more I have been for years looking for Catholic materials on Old Testament, something that is accessible to serious readers but not so academic beyond strength to persevere (and I work in a Catholic bookstore). I''d like to thank Dr. John Bergsma and Dr. Brant Pitre for the efforts they put into these. I bought the kindle version, read barely to 10% but because I have been looking for commentaries on OT for so long, and read a lot of N. T. Wright (because his accessible writing style and good content), I know I found what I''ve been looking for for sooo long. I don''t need to play scrabble anymore to entertainment my mind :). Why do I write so long? Others say "Superb!". That would have been enough. Whatever :+D 48 people found this helpful Helpful Report Erwin J Cordova5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase A much needed reference book. Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2018 A superb reference book that satisfies both the spiritual and intellectual needs of the believer. Prior to this book my only comprehensive Old Testament reference book was "Reading the Old testament An Introduction by Lawrence Boadt 2nd Edition". Although good in background... See more A superb reference book that satisfies both the spiritual and intellectual needs of the believer. Prior to this book my only comprehensive Old Testament reference book was "Reading the Old testament An Introduction by Lawrence Boadt 2nd Edition". Although good in background information and in-depth analysis of the books of the old testament, Boadt book has one major flaw. It denies the occurrence of supernatural events in history. The most that can happen are providential natural events where some people see the hand of God. This book have all the positive of Boadt book plus does not deny that God can manifest His providence in history by means of supernatural events. I look forward for a second book dealing with the New Testament. 38 people found this helpful Helpful Report RedDog5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Not set up like his other books, but fantastic nonetheless. Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2018 I have been thoroughly enjoying this book. I teach Old Testament at a Catholic school and this book has been a tremendous asset to my classroom lesson planning. Be warned however, it is designed as a Masters Degree level college textbook. Your average Catholic should be... See more I have been thoroughly enjoying this book. I teach Old Testament at a Catholic school and this book has been a tremendous asset to my classroom lesson planning. Be warned however, it is designed as a Masters Degree level college textbook. Your average Catholic should be able to follow along and get something out of it, but it is not an apologetics book, nor is it set up in the fun, humorous, easy to read format like Dr. Bergsma''s other books. A wonderful addition to my classroom! 34 people found this helpful Helpful Report Daniel Egan - Catholic Timeline Company5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for those looking to deepen their Faith! Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2018 FILLED with Bible tidbits! Pitre and Bergsma have done it again; showing how the New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament and the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New. TWO SUPER COOL FEATURES: - at the end of each book is a chart where the parts of the book... See more FILLED with Bible tidbits! Pitre and Bergsma have done it again; showing how the New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament and the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New.
TWO SUPER COOL FEATURES:
- at the end of each book is a chart where the parts of the book appear in the liturgical calendar with a brief interpretation of the reading.
- inside each book are these brief articles that are little tidbits that help clarify or explain historical, moral, and theological difficulties that strengthen your faith and lift your mind.
If you want to deepen your knowledge of the Bible and grow closer to our Lord - Read this and start spreading the Word! 107 people found this helpful Helpful Report William Meyer4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Massive and detailed Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2019 The authors are both of excellent reputation, and this book has been very positively reviewed by many. My one reservation is the use of the RSV2CE, rather than a more traditional Bible, but I think most of my concerns there would be with the New Testament, so I am not... See more The authors are both of excellent reputation, and this book has been very positively reviewed by many. My one reservation is the use of the RSV2CE, rather than a more traditional Bible, but I think most of my concerns there would be with the New Testament, so I am not hugely concerned.
I had hoped by now to see the Old Testament Study Bible, from Ignatius, but it has been years in the making, and still no ETA. Absent that volume, this book, though quite different in approach (and more detailed, I think) arrives at an excellent time. 19 people found this helpful Helpful Report DMC5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Beautiful book Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2018

I just received my copy today and I can say that I was pleasently surprised. This is a gorgeous book and the presentation is amazing on its own, much more than I expected. A word of warning though, it''s on the heavy side and it''s quite big so I don''t think I can... See more I just received my copy today and I can say that I was pleasently surprised. This is a gorgeous book and the presentation is amazing on its own, much more than I expected.

A word of warning though, it''s on the heavy side and it''s quite big so I don''t think I can carry it with me, it kinda looks like a home Bible in terms of size and weight.

As far as the content, I haven''t finished it yet, but from my experience Dr. Pitre always has a lot to contribute.

Overall if it''s anything like Pitre''s "The case for Jesus" then it is definitely one of the best purchases I''ve made through amazon.

***Update

So the book is well balanced and seems to strive to keep in mind not only the latest research and scholarly information, but it also provides a bit of background into the cultures, languages and myths that lie behind many of the referneces in the Bible.

I think the biggest strength is its attempt to keep an impartial view as much as it can. On the other hand, this means that some books do not get as indepth a treatment as possible, specially toward the end of the book.

That being said, it''s definitely full of insights for those of us who have not formerly studied the ANE, and it does so from a perspective that is not afraid of being open to the faith. 13 people found this helpful Helpful Report

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Top reviews from other countries

JT5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Special Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2019 My last amazon review was in July 2010 on amazon .com when I reviewed the Ignatius Press New Testament Study Bible. I have read many books since then but this book is so impressive that I have come back from reviewing retirement to share this with you. This is a special...See moreMy last amazon review was in July 2010 on amazon .com when I reviewed the Ignatius Press New Testament Study Bible. I have read many books since then but this book is so impressive that I have come back from reviewing retirement to share this with you. This is a special book. One for those who love the Bible and one that non-Catholic Christians can also share and enjoy. What is it? Let me tell you - 1060 large elegantly bound and typeset pages (in good sized print on cream durable paper) filled with graduate level scholarship on each book of the Old Testament. And yet, it is accessible, it is charismatic, it is filled to the brim with knowledge and after 1060 pages leaves you looking for more. What a tragedy if only academics or specialist clerical scholars were to read this book. This book is for you, the believing Christian who wants to know more and to love God with all your heart, mind and soul. This is the book that will guide you and make you *want* to read the Old Testament. Each book of the Old Testament is analysed under key headings 1. The Literary Genre - what type of book you are reading 2. The Outline - the internal logic to the structure of the book 3. The Overview - taking each section into bite-sized chunks with inspired and encouraging comment 4. The Commentary - the history, the theology, the living tradition and impact of the book in the New Testament 5. Worship - how has this book been used in Mass readings - what passages, what feast days and why! 6. Further reading - drawing on the best academic scholarship, catholic and beyond. The price is an absolute bargain for the inspired content therein. Thank you John Bergsma and Brant Pitre and Ignatius Press. This is one magnum opus, what an achievement! To the reader, you will not regret buying this book. God Bless! 26 people found this helpful Report Jer H.5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase This is a substantial book, by two great Catholic authors, and has a sown binding that will last. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2022 I have not read all this book yet, having just got it before Christmas, and it is 1,060 pages long (though some of that is indices, 88 pages :). But opening it at random, to the chapter on the Books of Maccabees, I see it structured with the following sections: Introduction...See moreI have not read all this book yet, having just got it before Christmas, and it is 1,060 pages long (though some of that is indices, 88 pages :). But opening it at random, to the chapter on the Books of Maccabees, I see it structured with the following sections: Introduction to the two books, Literary Style and Structure, Overviews of both books (events and characters described), Historical questions, Theological issues (describes controversies over the Maccabee family''s willingness to wage war on Sabbath days, and their taking of royal and high-priestly offices and symbols though they were of neither line), the books in the Living Tradition of the Church (support of creation "ex nihilo", prayers for the dead and doctrine of Purgatory, use in the Lectionary), and Conclusion (plus Further reading recommendations) In 23 pages the authors give a lively, interesting and knowledgeable overview of the Books of Maccabees and the way in which they have been read in the Catholic Church, and on a quick perusal of this book A Catholic Introduction to the Bible (Volume I), they have done the same for all the other Canonical and Deutero-canonical books of the Old Testament. Volume II is set to do the same for the books of the New Testament. Report camellia5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase This book has helped me to understand the old testament and its relation to the new testament. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 24, 2020 As a Roman Catholic I am really pleased this book was written as it gives clear guidance on the old testament how it relates to Jesus Christ in the new testament and importantly it is written from a Catholic perspective. I am very glad that I watch the author Brandt Pietre...See moreAs a Roman Catholic I am really pleased this book was written as it gives clear guidance on the old testament how it relates to Jesus Christ in the new testament and importantly it is written from a Catholic perspective. I am very glad that I watch the author Brandt Pietre lectures on Youtube as this helps as well. Pleased with purchase. 3 people found this helpful Report marilynM4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase a good reference book on the Old Testament Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 17, 2020 This is a very good reference book to have on the Old Testament for Catholics. I would recommend this. Report John cena5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Awesome Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2021 Lengthy introduction. More people need to read their bible and need a correct interpretation, not some random one they think of in their minds Report

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