This succinct and innovative book shows readers how to read and appreciate the Old Testament. Written for those with little experience or knowledge of the Old Testament and its character, it is an ideal first step before turning to more lengthy introductions and commentaries. The book explores the authority and contemporary relevance of the Old Testament.

The Old Testament is a rich canon of texts of many different genres and can be read in a number of ways: as history, as literature, or as theology. Opening the Old Testament explores these and other forms of interpretation, showing readers how to use them and form a lively interaction with the texts. The result is an engaging, student-friendly textbook that enables the reader to understand what the Old Testament is, how to read it and why it is still relevant to our world today.