The purpose of studying the Old Testament is to understand God and his redemptive work more fully. However, this goal is complicated by the fact that it was transmitted through a very different language and culture from our own. "A Survey of the Old Testament" provides an indispensable guide for undergraduate students and other readers by exploring the literary, historical, and theological issues behind the Old Testament and its various books.For each Old Testament book, the Survey addresses background information, purpose, message, structure, and major themes. Chapters introducing each major section of the Old Testament are included, as are chapters dealing with issues of interpretation, geography, archeology, history, formation of the Old Testament canon, and the Old Testament's relationship to the New Testament. The text is enhanced throughout by maps, photos, time lines, and charts. This full-color third edition of a widely acclaimed textbook has been expanded and redesigned in both text and graphical elements, making it even more beneficial.