Family in the Bible provides a timely consideration of what the biblical writers had to say about the family and how their views ought to inform a contemporary Christian theology of the family and society in general.

The chapters span the biblical canon and give voice to the depth of perspective and diversity of opinion to be found in the varied cultural traditions described in the Bible. What emerges is a sense of the importance of the family in the societies of the biblical world and how that vision might be adapted today.

General readability combined with a focused theme of exploring the social world of the family in the Bible makes this collection a valuable tool for ministers and laypeople. A real effort has been made to demonstrate the very different worldview of people in biblical times from our modern, Western perspective. Each author carefully explains how, despite its antiquity, the Bible can be used as a model for instruction, behavior, and reflection. The central theme, the very heart, of this volume is that the modern family, like its ancient counterpart, must seriously take up its role of teaching the young.-Victor H. Matthews, professor of religious studies, Southwest Missouri State University

Family in the Bible is a helpful survey of a topic important to all readers of the Scriptures. The editors have assembled an impressive team, and the result is a stimulating entrée into the topic, with pertinent and helpful references to guide interested readers in delving deeper. The diachronic and canonical structure of the book is also an improvement over the way the topic is often treated.-Bill T. Arnold, professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages, Asbury Theological Seminary