How does the Old Testament relate to your faith? Is it just a collection of thrilling stories and strange rules which have been superseded by the New Testament? Or is it a source of guidance and learning that helps maintain a vigorous Christian life?

In Learning About the Old Testament Allan Harman explains many different aspects of the Old Testament, particularly the importance of covenant in God’s relations with humanity. This is seen in what he promised at creation, and to Noah and Abraham. Harman also covers the history of Israel, looking at the exodus from Egypt and the covenant instituted at Sinai. In particular, he shows how the Messiah is anticipated.

Brief surveys are also given of what it meant to be a ruler or king in Israel, as well as a prophet and a poet.

Table of Contents

1. Approaching the Old Testament
2. Background to the Old Testament
3. God’s Covenants
4. The Covenant of Creation
5. The Covenant with Noah
6. The Covenant with Abraham
7. The Exodus
8. The Covenant at Sinai
9. Worship in Ancient Israel
10. The Conquest and the Period of the Judges
11. The Introduction of Kingship
12. The Fate of the Monarchy
13. The Prophets
14. Poets and Wise Men
15. Unveiling the Future
16. The New Covenant
17. Exile and Return
18. The Promised Messiah
19. Preaching from the Old Testament

About the Author

Allan Macdonald Harman is Research Professor of Old Testament, Presbyterian Theological College, Melbourne, Australia. Born in Lismore, New South Wales in 1936, he attended Taree High School and the University of Sydney (BA, 1957), before studying overseas at the Free Church College, Edinburgh, the University of Edinburgh (BD, 1960; MLitt, 1974) and at Westminster Theological Seminary (ThM, 1961; ThD 1968).

After his initial theological training, he returned to Australia to pastor Geelong Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia, to which he was ordained and inducted in March 1962.

After doctoral studies at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (1964-66), Allan began his long career as a Professor of Old Testament, first at the Free Church of Scotland College in Edinburgh (1966-74), and then back in his native Australia at the Reformed Theological College, Geelong (1974-77). While at the RTC he taught part-time in the newly re-started theological education programme of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, following the departure of all of the previous faculty when the Uniting Church came into existence in 1977. This led to his appointment as a professor at the Presbyterian Theological College, Melbourne, serving there from 1978 until his retirement in 2001. He was the Principal at PTC from 1982 until 2001, and maintains the connection with it as a Research Professor. His work in theological education was recognised by the award of an honorary doctorate (ThD) from the Australian College of Theology in 2003.

He has preached and lectured throughout his ministry, both in Australia and overseas, at places such as the Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto, Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and Kosin University in Busan, South Korea.

Endorsements

‘Allan Harman’s volume is a very useful introduction to the Old Testament.’ — JOHN CURRID