How to Read (InterVarsity Press)

A New Updated Edition of a Beloved Favorite! Within the realm of sacred texts, Genesis stands as a pillar-a foundational book that shapes the Torah, the Old Testament, and ultimately the entire Christian Bible. Through its rich tapestry of stories and images Genesis often leave readers pondering the deeper meanings hidden within its verses. In the latest installment of the bestselling How to Read Series, Tremper Longman III offers an enlightening path to grasping what Genesis is meant to communicate to both its original readers and contemporary audiences. How to Read Genesis, 2nd Edition gives readers an invaluable guide that: - Examines the various lenses through which Genesis can be viewed, enriching comprehension and appreciation of its narratives. - Delves into the cultural backgrounds that influenced Genesis, providing a fuller picture of its significance and teachings. - Uncovers the layers of history and authorship that contributed to the creation of Genesis. - Explains the background of the literary forms and structural elements that make Genesis unique. - Offers an understanding of how Genesis fits into the broader context of the Bible, connecting its themes and messages to the entire Christian narrative. Building upon historical, cultural, and literary context, How to Read Genesis, 2nd Edition will not only enhance your knowledge, but will also foster a deeper connection with the text and its timeless wisdom. "Longman has long been known for his ability to analyze disparate literary genres and historical elements of scripture while crafting a solid Christological perspective–and on this point, he does not disappoint. That is, he seeks to provide space for Genesis as literature, myth, history, and at last, ways to read Genesis as a Christian, a perspective that he identifies as "preposterous and distorting," and yet, not only prompted by Jesus himself (as in Luke 24) but absolutely needed in the context of current Christian teaching and preaching. ... This is a short, valuable, and timely look at a misunderstood book." – Library Journal Review, February 2025

The Psalms have been well-loved and frequently used by Christians throughout history. For directness, intensity, and intimacy, they are unrivaled in all of Scripture. Somehow the psalmists seem to have anticipated our own awe, desires, and frustrations. Yet the Psalms also challenge us when we look at them closely. Their poetry is unfamiliar in form. Many images used are foreign to us today. And the psalmists sometimes express troubling thoughts that seem hard to reconcile with other teachings of Scripture. In this volume of the popular How to Read Series, Tremper Longman III gives us the kind of help we need to overcome the distance between the psalmists' world and ours. He explains the various genres of psalms, the way they were used in Hebrew worship, their relationship to the rest of the Old Testament, and the characteristics of Hebrew poetry. Then he looks at how Christians can appropriate the message and insights of Psalms today. Step-by-step suggestions for interpreting the psalms on our own are followed by exercises for further study and reflection, plus a helpful guide to commentaries on the Psalms. This second edition includes expanded content, updated sources, and a new appendix on the structure of the book of Psalms.