Preface

The Bible is, by any standard, a substantial volume, and it presents special problems of comprehension to the student.  Covering over four millennia of history from creation onwards (and another three millennia of prophecy!) it ranges over many ancient nations and cultures.

Because the Old Testament books are arranged in no less than four separate historical sequences, the average reader may be excused if he fails to perceive the interrelationships that frequently exist between one book and another.  For example, it takes a little while to appreciate that when we pass from the book of Esther to Job, the next in the sacred volume, we are in fact jumping back approximately one thousand years to the era of the exodus of Israel from Egypt.

Similarly, the prophecies of Isaiah and Hosea (which begin the third and fourth sequences respectively), belong to the later stages of the divided kingdom, when the northern half of Israel was exiled from Palestine by the Assyrians.  This is recorded in the books of Kings and Chronicles.  So amongst other hurdles, such as references to strange customs and modes of thought, the reader must be prepared where necessary to reorientate himself in the chronology of the times as he moves from one sequence to another.  In lesser degree the same chronological disruption is to be found in the New Testament letters.

This little book is the first of three projected volumes designed to cover the whole Bible.  It is a collection of introductory essays on each book from Genesis to Job, and is intended primarily for readers relatively unfamiliar with the contents of God's word.  Because the essays were written at various times and not in the Biblical order, some overlap and repetition have crept in.  I am sorry about this, but maybe the repetition will help to underline some of the important lessons of the Bible.

In every case an attempt has been made to outline the purpose and structure of the book under consideration, and its geographical and chronological place in the framework of Bible history.  Emphasis has been laid on the fundamental Scriptural principles which frequently recur throughout these inspired writings.

If this modest compilation helps new Bible readers to understand and value God's revelation more and more, and especially His great purpose with all creation, it will have achieved its basic aim.

To God alone be the glory (Romans 11.36).

J.H.Broughton,
Pontesbury, Shropshire, 1992.