For more than twenty years, Victor Hamilton’s handbook has been introducing students to the Pentateuch. In this substantially revised second edition, Hamilton moves chapter by chapter (rather than verse by verse) through the Pentateuch. He examines the content, structure, and theology and provides useful commentary on overarching themes and connections between Old Testament texts. For those who wish to do additional research, each chapter is appended with a bibliography of recent, relevant scholarship.

The first edition has sold over sixty thousand copies.

It is a pleasure to recommend this work as an excellent introduction to the first five books of the Bible. Its sensitivity to the literary structures and emphases in the texts as well as its full awareness of classic and contemporary exegetical issues and scholarship provides an essential tool for introducing students and all interested readers to the fascinating world of the Pentateuch. Scholars in the field will also benefit from Hamilton’s presentation of new and original ideas and up-to-date bibliographies.–Richard S. Hess, professor of Old Testament, Denver Seminary

The second edition of Hamilton’s Handbook on the Pentateuch follows in the tradition of the first. It is not simply a rehearsal of biblical content but offers concise and scholarly summaries and articulations of modern scholarship on the Pentateuch, while also offering well-crafted, traditional, evangelical positions on many difficult issues that confront readers of the Pentateuch. The updated bibliographies are remarkable and provide valuable guidance to college and seminary students as they begin their own research. The format is pleasing, with many subsections that guide the reader along. Numerous tables and an index complete what will certainly prove to be a valuable reference and research tool.–Peter Enns, associate professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary