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05 May 2007
A reliable, simple tool
Leon's Wood's 1970 book received broad acclaim as an introduction to Old Testament
history that was both thorough and simple, conservative yet informed. Wood does not
burden the reader with constant recital of differing critical opinions; his aim is
solely informational, not apologetic, apart from n entire chapter defending the early date of Exodus.
This has allowed the book to be nearly timeless, though minor updating was done in 1986 by
O'Brien, who also added an intertestamental chapter.
As a pastor who teaches Bible classes for lay people college age and older, I find this book still the best of its kind. I've taken a few hundred adults and students through it, and am in fact using it at present
with a small group of professionals who could care less about "the latest theory," but simply
want to know their Old Testaments better. Wood's Survey is injecting these college grads with the "instant intelligence" they desire.