Opening the Old Testament

"A traditional, pious Christian will find in this book encouragement to open the Old Testament.... A reader will learn that the Old Testament is more diverse (and perhaps more interesting) than he or she may have expected." (Expository Times, March 2009)

"Colleagues who have been teaching introductory Hebrew Bible should know that there is now a truly creative and absolutely reader-friendly introductory textbook on the market."
–Kristin de Troyer, Claremont School of Theology

"This is a very successful attempt to 'open' the Old Testament for the reader with no specialist knowledge. By concentrating on selected passages in detail, Katharine Dell introduces the major themes and genres of the Bible in an accessible way, and then provides the background information needed to understand the bigger picture. An invaluable guide for anyone puzzled or intrigued by the Old Testament."
–John Barton, University of Oxford

"Upon opening Katherine Dell’s Opening the Old Testament, the reader will encounter a lucid treatment of ancient Israel’s Psalmody, a refreshing way of introducing the daunting world of Old Testament literature. This is a new textbook designed for a new generation of readers. It deserves to be used widely."
–William P. Brown, Columbia Theological Seminary