Absolutely beautiful. . . A rich, multi-layered resource for developing a broader and deeper understanding. . . for the Bible. It will be helpful in preparing lessons and studying the scriptures. — Association for Mormon Letters

You_ã_ll find the world of the Old Testament coming to life and breathing actual interest into the pages of the text itself. — Common Consent

One of the best Old Testament volumes in years, which I hope finds its way into the hands of every Gospel Doctrine teacher in January. — The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research

A great gift for serious students of the scriptures . . . as well as those of us who want to look smart during Gospel Doctrine class. The world of the Old Testament is painstakingly explored from a variety of angles, and the inclusion of stunning visuals makes the book a worthy investment. — Segullah blog Gift Guide

“Visually stunning and verbally engaging, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament brings the Bible to life for Latter-day Saint readers. Its lively text explores the Old Testament and its world through the lenses of history, language, geography, archaeology, and textual study. Its images draw readers into that world and invite them to understand it as never before. Shedding light on the people of the Bible and the challenges they face, Jehovah and the World of the New Testament tells their stories in a way that will have lasting meaning for readers.” — Kent P. Jackson, Associate Dean of Religious Education and Professor of Ancient Scripture, Brigham Young University

This companion volume to the best-selling Jesus Christ and the World of the New Testament, is a helpful guide to Old Testament culture, language, history, and teachings. Richly illustrated with hundreds of images and photographs, including original artwork by Balage Balogh, artifacts, inscriptions, timelines, and accurate maps of the area, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament presents and in-depth look at life in the ancient world and provides much-needed context for the biblical test. These illustrations bring ancient Israel to life, and with many informative historical explanations, cultural clarifications, and thoughtful insights, they will help readers come to value and understand the Old Testament as never before.

More than 400 topics provide important background for Old Testament times, from representations of key personalities such as Enoch and Aaron to detailed explanations of specific issues to legends that have persisted to our day, such as what happened to the ark of the covenant or the location of Mount Sinai.

As you explore the pages of this valuable and unique resource, your study of the Old Testament will be enriched, your understanding broadened, and your love of the great Jehovah expanded.

The biblical idea of “redeemer” is deeply rooted in family obligations and responsibilities. An older male family member was responsible to purchase or deliver–to “redeem” –family members and property from legal obligations or drastic circumstances through some type of payment. For example, Leviticus 25:48-49 prescribes redemption from debt slavery: “After that he is sold [into debt slavery] he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him: Either his uncle, or his uncle’s son, may redeem him, or any that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem him.”

Additionally, a redeemer was responsible to act as a family guardian by purchasing family land that would otherwise become lost (see Lev 25:25-29). In the book of Ruth, Naomi identifies Boaz as “one of our next kinsmen”, literally, “he is a redeemer of us.” After a nearer kinsman forfeited his right, Boaz fulfilled this role by purchasing the land of Elimelech. He also assumed responsibility to “raise up the name of the dead” through a levirate marriage. This is the only biblical example in which the redemption of a family property and a family line are narrated together.

Not surprisingly, in the Old Testament, Jehovah is portrayed as the Redeemer par excellence because he delivered his people from bondage: “I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of jacob”. Understanding that Jehovah is Jesus, the significance of Christ’s sacrificial “payment” to buy us from death and sin becomes are clear and dear.