This fourth edition of an award-winning textbook has been updated throughout. It features abundant images, maps, and charts--all in full color--as well as chapter outlines, objectives, and summaries; study questions; sidebars featuring primary source material and ethical and theological issues; lists of key terms, people, and places; and further reading recommendations.
"This textbook rivals the best Old Testament introductions on the market today. It is a treasure trove of entry-level information that carefully balances biblical, historical, contextual, and theological analysis. Students will appreciate that the chapters are filled with aesthetically pleasing visual aids, end of chapter questions, and Christian reflections. Professors will appreciate the careful attention given to the pedagogical resources that accompany the text. Arnold and Beyer are to be commended for their work that has weathered the test of time and continues to grip the attention of students year after year!"
--Joy L. Vaughan, Asbury University
"With this fourth edition of Encountering the Old Testament, Arnold and Beyer have improved an already impressive textbook. While some textbooks singularly lean toward literary interpretation, historical background, or biblical-theological themes, Arnold and Beyer have produced one of the most balanced textbooks in all these categories. With clear chapter outlines and objectives, introductory students will know exactly what they can expect to learn. The additional helps available within this textbook (sidebars, key terms, study questions, further reading, etc.) serve to enhance the student's experience of encountering the Old Testament with joy."
--Adam J. Howell, Boyce College
Praise for Previous Editions
"Arnold and Beyer have produced an exciting survey of the Old Testament with the college student specifically in mind."
--Tremper Longman III, Westmont College
"For college students who are encountering the Old Testament for the first time, this attractively produced textbook offers a clear and helpful orientation to the world and literature of the Old Testament."
--Richard Schultz, Wheaton College

Bill T. Arnold (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, where he has taught for more than 25 years. He is the author or editor of 12 books, including commentaries on Genesis and 1-2 Samuel.
Bryan E. Beyer (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is Bible professor emeritus at Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina, where he has taught for more than 35 years. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including Encountering the Book of Isaiah.