"Jeff Niehaus' book is a very good source of ancient Near Eastern references that provide very helpful parallels for the Old and New Testaments. He has combed these extra-biblical sources on such subjects as covenant, temple, and image of God. All students of Scripture will benefit from this source-book." -- G.K. Beale, Chair of Biblical Studies Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College
“Jeffrey Niehaus’s book is wonderfully helpful in explaining the connections between the thought patterns and religious practices of the ancient biblical world and the way these patterns and practices were used by God to prepare the way for his special revelation to Israel. Even though the concepts shared by ancient pagan peoples only imperfectly and dimly reflected the truth, Niehaus shows how the written expressions of those concepts provide us with a backdrop from which to better understand the Bible itself. This is a book that any student or pastor ought to read as a prolegomenon to doing biblical theology.” -- Douglas Stuart, Professor of Old Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
“Jeffrey Niehaus has made a contribution to Old Testament studies that has no rival. Today, there are uncounted volumes treating the subject of Old Testament theology, and there is an equally enormous body of literature on ancient Near Eastern religion and ideology. Only Niehaus has endeavored to combine the two in a sustained study. Niehaus treats the ideals of the ancient Near East thematically, dealing with topics such as kingship, covenant, and temple, and shows how these ideals emerge in the Old Testament. He sees this as a work of the providence of God and as a manifestation of common grace among the nations. This is a welcome and innovative study.” -- Duane Garrett, Professor of Old Testament Interpretation,Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“The Bible was not written in a vacuum. Jeffrey Niehaus skillfully situates biblical theology in the context of the ancient Near East. He not only helps us understand the often perplexing relationship between the Bible and similar stories from the ancient Near East, he enriches our reading of the biblical text itself. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.” -- Tremper Longman, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College
