Previously published by Harper & Row, 1974.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 510-541) and indexes.

Part I : an introduction to the people -- The Old Testament today : ancient traditions intersect with a modern world -- The lay of the land : the geographical context of the Old Testament -- Part II : the origins of the people -- The Torah : its origins and structure -- Origins anticipated : the patriarchal traditions -- Origins actualized : the exodus event -- Origins clarified : the theophany and covenant at Sinai -- Part III : the growth of the people -- Wilderness wandering and the conquest of the land -- Israel's settlement in Canaan -- The United monarchy under Saul and David -- Solomonic rule and the ensuing schism -- The dialogue between established monarchy and emerging prophetism -- Part IV : The demise of the people -- Amos, Hosea, and the end of the northern kingdom -- Micah, Isaiah, and the struggle of the southern kingdom -- Prophetic disclosure and the Deuteronomic reform in Judah -- Judah's appointment to the yoke -- Judah's bearing of the yoke -- Part V : the renewal of the people -- Second Isaiah and the promise of imminent return -- The return to Palestine and the restoration of the Jewish community -- Prophets, priests, and poets in Postexilic Israel -- The gift of wisdom -- Israel and the world at the close of the Old Testament Era.