Bird’s Eye View: A Valuable Handbook on the Old Testament offers a clear and accessible introduction to the Old Testament for students, pastors, teachers, and serious readers of Scripture. It begins by affirming the Bible as the living and enduring Word of God, preserved through history despite persecution and opposition. The book highlights the vital role of Scripture in shaping Christian faith, hope, and obedience. It then explores the geography, history, and culture of the biblical world, helping readers understand the setting in which God’s redemptive work unfolded. By situating the text within its real world context, the book bridges the gap between the ancient world and modern readers. A major strength of the handbook is its survey of each Old Testament book with attention to historical background, literary form, and theological themes. Each book is presented as part of God’s unified redemptive story. The survey consistently employs a Christ-centered approach, showing how the Old Testament points forward to Christ. The use of the Old Testament in the New Testament is also highlighted to emphasize continuity and fulfillment. Overall, Bird’s Eye View is a guide that informs the mind and deepens love for God’s Word.

Rev. Dr. Joel Joseph, Professor in the department of Old Testament, at New Theological College,
Dehradun, India.

He has been involved with BSS and NTC, Dehradun for the past 24 years. Completed the ministry span of 33 years in North India. He has authored a 9 books, a commentary, an edited book and few articles in different academic journals. His Doctoral dissertation was published in Germany. He has given his contribution to the Academic committee of the Senate of Serampore. He was an executive member of the Society of Biblical studies in India. He is on the editorial board of the foreign Journal for Biblical studies. He is presently the Dean of Development at New Theological college. He has a wife named Ruby, daughter Jennifer and son Joshua.