The Epic of Eden

Loved this study! So many new insights that I would not have considered before. Highly recommend for those who want to know more about Jesus.

I have read untold numbers of books on theology, science, and archaeology over the last four decades. Few have captivated me like this one. Richter does an amazing job of making the culture and language of the Old Testament understandable and accessible to the average Christian reader. The writing style is intentionally conversational, but with abundant footnotes containing additional information and references to satisfy those who want to go deeper on a particular subject. What impressed me the most is her ability to communicate the significance of archaeological studies to enhance our understanding of the biblical language of covenants, without calling into question the authority of the Bible or any fundamental Christian doctrines. Too many others naively assume that similarities with an ancient Near Eastern manuscript means the Hebrews just borrowed material from the dominant culture at the time, or they fall into the opposite trap of trying to claim that nothing in the Bible drew on any cultural norms at the time of writing. Richter makes neither of these mistakes, instead arguing convincingly that God revealed himself in a culturally-meaningful manner that was mindful of the time and place of Israel’s history. In skimming through the very few negative comments this book has received, I find that most focus on pet interpretations of these readers which Richter did not embrace or expound upon, such as coming down firmly in favor of a particular view on the timing of creation. I believe her book is all the better for leaving such debates to others.

Such an inspiring summary of the Old Testament in such an understandable manner. The videos are good but the book is better yet. Will offer a group study using them. This explains a lot of the weird stuff that happens in the OT that makes you wonder about God, but He has only had broken people to work with since The Fall. We clearly need the Jesus the OT points all of humanity to, and this work shows us how God worked through broken people and cultures to show us Himself and His great love for us.

Sandra Richter brings her massive knowledge of Biblical studies and archeology to simple terms for the average person. She brings insight into the customs and culture of the ancient people to help us understand the Bible better.

This book makes the Old Testament so accessible and highlights how relevant it is for modern day Christians. A mark of a great teacher is making these ideas that can be extremely difficult to grasp accessible to the audience and Richter does that in everything she teaches about. I would highly recommend for group or individual study and to anyone who is serious about understanding the Bible in it’s entirety.

Dr. Richter provides a helpful metaphor to help us normal folk who want to be serious about our allegiance to King Jesus, but have been bogged down by the lackluster teaching from popular books and teachers, by the random teaching from Sunday sermons and by the sheer cultural and temporal distance with the Ancient Near East, and by domesticated and truncated gospel that's typically presented in the West. Now this book helpfully "cleans and organizes" our theological closet and gives the important shelving and compartments that allows us to get a better grasp of important features of this great epic that leads to Jesus. The only part that doesn't adequately addresses the problems of "supersessionism" and how to deal with it in our theology. Overall, this book is essential reading for new disciples who want to grow in their understanding of Scripture that is meant to shape our worldview (our understanding of who God is, who we are, how we are to be with others who are not like us, and how we are meant to live in God's good creation on this side of eternity). Dr. Richter's prose is clear, approachable and memorable. Recommended!

This is the book I’ve been searching for. The author presents an overview of the entire story of redemption and explains the origins of the words “covenant” and “redemption” and what this meant to ancient Near Eastern cultures. I learned so much, I can’t list everything here! Learning about the covenants God has made with his people has deepened my understanding of who Jesus is. I want to know even more about the cultural and historical context of the Old Testament. It helps explain so much of the “weird” stuff.

This book explains the Old Testament in a way I’ve never heard it before. I grew up in church and in a Christian home, and I know my Bible. But Richter puts it in a way that is so simple yet so profound. Truly increases my appreciation for God’s word. Anyone who is pretty unfamiliar with the Old Testament, this is a great book to start with. Anyone who thinks they’re familiar with the Old Testament, it’s just as beneficial for you. I buy this for so many people, it’s such a good resource.

Really good and easy read. I‘ve learnt so many things about the Bible and the OT by reading this book. Can really recommend it.

Great read, lots of maps and diagrams

This is a comprehensive and gripping account of the Old Testament which gives a depth of understanding to all of the Bible. Fascinating details about ANE customs, culture and life bring depth to our understanding to the biblical text and set it in a context of faith, culture and history. In depth exploration of the various covenants building to the New covenant in Christ show the imaginative and wonderful sweep of redemptive history so that we gain an excellent understanding of the faith implications of the Old Testament for Christians. It is complex but well written. I came across it as part of the pre-reading course materials for my Theology Masters. However I think it is not only for theologians or theology students - it’s a useful book for a people of faith and puts their faith story in a wider context and so I have been recommending it to all my family and friends, my church and will be recommending it to my students on the foundations in ministry course that I teach.

I understand the Old Testament in a deeper way and this book has not only spoken of History but is a prime example of how understanding can deepen faith. I will read it again for a second time because I really want to soak it in. I am eager to see what else Dr Sandra has released. This book breaks down what one could call complex and foreign in to simple explanations. I’ve recommend this book to so many people. Also shout out Java with Juli who I actually discovered Sandra and this book from. Thank you for your addition to the body Sandra.

Great book. Came with a dent in the cover, but overall came well put together. Read the first two chapters, and so far it’s amazing. Easy to read and follow with witty comments throughout!