Following on from Tom Wright’s popular and successful ‘For Everyone’ series of commentary style books for the New Testament, SPCK have commissioned the talented Old Testament theologian, John Goldingay to write a similar series for the Old Testament books.

Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures and language skills, Goldingay uses his own abridged translation that is combined with a section-by-section discussion/commentary to provide the reader with a combination of background information, knowledgeable explanation and interpretation of what the Scriptures are saying by making it both highly readable and very relevant to our lives today.

If you have enjoyed Wright’s New Testament series, this too looks likely to be equally as good for pastors, students, enquirers or for those who want to find some focussed variety for their Bible reading disciplines. A worthwhile daily study style read that is also a useful resource to draw on for many future uses.

Genesis

The book of Genesis is a lively read featuring familiar biblical tales such as the creation of the world, Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit, Noah and the flood, Abraham and Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, the Tower of Babel, and Sodom and Gomorrah. While readers may know the facts of these stories, Goldingay's work will instill in them a deeper understanding of their spiritual and theological significance. True to the For Everyone series' goal, Goldingay writes in a thoroughly accessible and engaging style with chapter titles such as "Friday Lunchtime," "Bigamy, Music, Technology, Murder," "Babylon becomes Babble-on," "Stuff Happens," and "Two Guys Who Need Their Heads Banged Together."

Exodus & Leviticus

Now in a new cover, one might wonder why John Goldingay would choose to cover two massive books of the Old Testament in one small volume. But the answer is more obvious than one might assume. Combining the two books allows Goldingay to focus on the entire story of Israel at Sinai, while also incorporating the cataclysmic events that allowed Israel to arrive at the peninsula.

In short, it allows Goldingay to trace and tell the story of Israel from Genesis to Kings coherently. In this third volume of the Old Testament for Everyone Series, Exodus and Leviticus Goldingay builds on the story of Israel as it began volumes 1 & 2 on Genesis. 

As noted above the focus in this volume is on Israel at Sinai, how they arrived there (Ex. 1-18), and the institution of the covenant as they dwelled in the Sinai wilderness. (Ex. 19-40, Leviticus). 

Joshua, Judges and Ruth

Joshua, Judges, and Ruth for Everyone presents an accessible and engaging overview of the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth and their beloved stories.

This book is grounded in solid scholarship and enhanced with a contemporary flair by the distinguished scholar John Goldingay, and they provide a perfect pairing to N.T. Wright's New Testament for Everyone series. This volume is the Old Testament for Everyone series is sure to provide a refreshing visit to the world of the Bible and to bring its stories to life in new and memorable ways.

1 & 2 Samuel

In 1&2 Samuel, Goldingay addresses the texts in such a way that even the most challenging passages are explained simply. Perfect for daily devotions, Sunday school preparation, or brief visits with the Bible, the Old Testament for Everyone series is an excellent resource for the modern reader.

Psalms Part 1

An illuminating guide to one of the most familiar---and beloved---books of the Old Testament. Blending a scholar's knowledge with a believer's devotion, Goldingay explores Psalms 1--72 to reveal four ways the writers speak to God---in words of praise, thanksgiving, trust, and supplication. His thought-provoking insights show how each poem is relevant to our contemporary life. 214 pages, softcover from Westminster John Knox.

Psalms Part 2

In an enlightening exploration of Psalms 73-150, Goldingay demonstrates four ways to speak to God: through praise, thanksgiving, trust, and supplication. Blending a scholar's knowledge with a believer's devotion, he provides his own careful translation of the original Hebrew, offers illuminating commentary on each psalm, and reveals insights into its relevance for life today.

Isaiah

A compilation of messages from several prophets, the Book of Isaiah offers important directives to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. In this accessible commentary, John Goldingay explores how these separate prophecies are held together by the promise of a new age of redemption and peace that lies beyond the crisis of judgment.

Jeremiah

In this volume on Jeremiah, John Goldingay explores the longest and most complex of the prophetic books. Jeremiah was written for survivors of war, suffering, and exile. It portrays three Babylonian military invasions and the resulting destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, which Jeremiah depicts as the end of the life God's people had known. Themes in the book include questions such as: How could God allow this suffering? How did things go so terribly wrong? How could God abandon us? Can the flame of faith burn in the darkness?

Daniel

The Book of Daniel begins with the trials of the Judahites in the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians in 587 BC, when many were forced to live as immigrants in a strange land. It continues with visions relating to the trials of Judahites back in Jerusalem in a time of persecution four centuries later, visions that promise them God's deliverance.

The twelve shorter prophets are situated between the eighth and fifth centuries and speak both warnings and instructions to God's people. 

For instance, Amos's visions warn of Israel's downfall, Jonah speaks to a wayward generation in Nineveh, and Haggai encourages the people to rebuild God's temple in Jerusalem. 

Although these prophets appear at different times and preach to different audiences, they all have at their core an understanding of God's overwhelming desire to connect with and reconcile himself to his people.Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.