Old Testament Narrative Books: The Israel Story (Scripture Connections)

“This compact volume contains a wealth of material. Wisely beginning with a discussion of the characteristics of narrative literature, it also considers the ancient context in which the narratives are set and canonical connections that include connections to the Gospels. Thoughtful interactive questions and study resources could be used in classroom and assignment work, making the volume valuable for professors as well. It is accessible and well prepared. Beginning and more advanced students will benefit from Schnittjer’s work.”

“Gary Schnittjer has written a concise, informative study of the Old Testament narrative literature that will serve as an ideal text for courses covering these books. In addition to its clear and engaging style, the volume is enhanced by numerous reader friendly outlines, charts, tables, maps, and sketches. The ‘Ancient Connections’ sections are another helpful feature of the book, for they place the literature in its historical-cultural context and help the narratives come alive. In this way the author reminds us that God revealed timeless truths in the real world of ancient Israel. I highly recommend this book for those who want to know more about the true stories of the Old Testament.”

“Old Testament Narrative Books offers a penetrating and engaging entree into this challenging corpus of biblical literature. With the carefulness of a seasoned scholar, Schnittjer situates each of the Historical Books in their ancient Near Eastern context without compromising their unique voice and character as biblical revelation.”

“By focusing on the ancient context and biblical connections each book has with the overarching narrative of the Bible, this book situates each Old Testament narrative book in its context in an understandable way. Schnittjer successfully paints with a broad brush to provide engaging overviews of each book, while also demonstrating the payoff of careful reading and attention to detail. The connections Schnittjer makes to the gospel of Jesus and to life today, as well as the thoughtful questions he poses, are sure to engage readers who desire to bring their knowledge of Scripture to bear on modern life.”

“Schnittjer’s Old Testament Narrative Books is an exceptionally readable, enjoyable, and helpful introduction to what English Bibles generally call the Historical Books. Schnittjer brings literary sophistication and canonical sensitivity to the task of explaining each text so that readers learn to read each book as a narrative whole.””

“Gary Schnittjer’s Old Testament Narrative Books is a great addition to any catalog of works examining Israel’s conquest through the restoration period. Explained within the theological story of redemption, it is extremely user-friendly, being filled with sketches of the author’s making, relevant insights on ancient Near Eastern culture, and considerations toward practical Christian formation. Students of the Scriptures in both the church and the classroom will deepen their understanding of OT history, individual historical books, and love of God through this work.”

“Gary Schnittjer once again guides readers through the Old Testament story in this trustworthy textbook. Old Testament Narrative Books chronologically introduces nine biblical books from the conquest to the restoration. With his signature literary approach, Professor Schnittjer delightfully highlights dischronological narratives, extended echo effects, and the narrative shaping of each book. Every chapter offers insightful connections—to the Bible, the gospel, and life—accompanied by substantial interpretive overviews and closed with interactive questions for students.”

“Schnittjer’s Old Testament Narrative Books is much more than a survey of the historical literature of the Old Testament. Combining literary, historical, cultural, intertextual, and theological insights, this work offers a deep and rich reading of these books. The church needs a fresh reminder of the theological and practical relevance of the story of the Old Testament, and Schnittjer has provided a valuable resource for moving us in that direction.”