PDF Old Testament Parallels (New Revised and Expanded Third Edition): Laws and Stories from the Ancient Near East by Victor Harold Matthews in History

Review

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. For those seeking deeper insights into the BibleBy A movie loverThis book provides translations of recovered tablets; etc. from the regions covered in the Old Testament and some in the New Testament; ranging from Babylon; Ur; Egypt; and others. The words on those artifacts have parallels to Old Testament stories and doctrines; showing the cultural origins of such. Whenever there are parallels; the authors cite scriptural chapter and verse for the reader to locate the corresponding place in the Bible. As an example; in an Egyptian story from around 2300 B.C.E.; a farmer uses the phrase that one should do to others as they would have done to themselves. I found that moral code; which parallels Jesus' words "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you;" to be fascinating to learn of its antiquity. Another example is the doctrine in Ur that a man with a barren wife could choose to have a child by a servant; showing that the custom in Ur where Abram and Sarai were from; was followed when Abram took Hagar and she conceived a son; Ishmael. This book is mostly dry; however; and should be read by one who is knowledgeable of the Bible and who wishes to expand their knowledge.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Must Have for a Three Dimensional Look to OT ScripturesBy infantry292Add this to your book collection for serious OT study. Wonderful arrangement of content; illustrations throughout provide good visual aids; this is a great addition to the OT collection. This book is a deep volume of relevant parallel stories which our most beloved OT literature probably originated or shared a common source with. No; this does not undermine "inspiration" of Scripture; rather it illuminates the world and context of the OT. A must have for a three dimensional look to OT Scriptures.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great intro to ancient textsBy T. C. BrayshawThis book is an excellent compilation of non biblical texts organized by the books of the Bible they are supposed to be associated with. Individual lines and short segments are cross referenced with biblical verses or chapters. Sometimes these seem like a stretch; but the renderings of the ancient texts make this book very worthwhile.