Bible
Readings from the Ancient Near East Primary Sources for Old Testament Study, 2nd ed. Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Beyer, editors; David A. Clayton Jr. and Evan Lee, associate editors Essential to a proper understanding of the Old Testament is a knowledge of the political, historical, and theological environment of the ancient Near East. While there is an abundance of mate- rial explaining this environment, primary source texts are often unavailable or inaccessible to beginning Old Testament students. Even as sources have become more widely available online, intro- ductory-level students still struggle to know where to begin and to understand how these ancient texts contribute to an understanding of the Old Testament. This collection of primary source documents guides students through a wide variety of texts relevant to understanding the Old Testament. The second edition has been thoroughly updated with new readings and with new translations of many readings from the previous edition. Compiled with the beginning Old Testament student in mind, the selections are intended to move a learner from little or no knowl- edge of the ancient Near East to a basic understanding of its sig- nificant texts and authors. It is designed as a companion volume to Encountering the Old Testament by Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Beyer, but it can be used alongside any standard Old Testament introduc - tion. It can also be used as the main textbook for a course on the literature and culture of the Old Testament world. “The first edition of this reader was a godsend, but this new ver - sion is even more so. Twelve new compositions have been added, and many of the others have been expanded in length or other- wise updated and improved based on recent research. This is an extraordinarily useful volume, perfect for classroom use. Teachers and students alike will make frequent use of it and will be better off for doing so.” —Brent A. Strawn, Duke University “For years Readings from the Ancient Near East has been my preferred textbook for Bible backgrounds. In part because of this accessible collection of ancient texts, my classes are alive with conversation. The twelve additional texts in this new edition are fascinating. I’m eager to discuss them with my students!” —Carmen Joy Imes, Biola University; author of Bearing God’s Name
NOVEMBER 2026 • 352 pp. • $36.99p • 9781540970756
Bill T. Arnold (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is the Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary. Bryan E. Beyer (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is Bible professor emeritus at Columbia International University and Bible content specialist for The Ezra Journey (ezrajourney.com).
David A. Clayton Jr. (MA, Asbury Theological Seminary) is a PhD student and Hebrew instructor at Asbury Theological Seminary.
Evan Lee (ThM, Princeton Theological Seminary) is a PhD student at Asbury Theological Seminary.
ALSO BY THE EDITOR THE WORLD AROUND THE OLD TESTAMENT 560 pp. • $48.00p • 9781540962317
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