Synopsis:The Old Testament is an ancient collection of theological reflections of life with God that the church has claimed as authoritative Scripture. Whereas most introductory books march from Genesis to Malachi, this book engages four important leadership roles across the breadth of the Old Testament canon: king, prophet, priest, and sage. Despite the obvious differences between the societies of ancient Israel and modern America, lessons can be learned from our ancestors in the faith. This engaging volume is intended for people who want to know more about the Old Testament, whether in personal study, church groups, college classrooms, or seminary courses. The book may be used profitably in concert with Theological Themes of the Old Testament: Creation, Covenant, Cultus, and Character (Cascade Books, 2010).Endorsements:"In her earlier work, Marty Stevens proved to be a reliable interpreter of biblical scholarship for the life and ministries of the church. Here she addresses the cutting-edge issue of leadership and directs our attention to the important roles of leadership in the life of ancient Israel . . . Both clergy and lay leaders in the church will be enriched and empowered by the biblical grounding Stevens offers to the challenges leaders face in every age."--Bruce C. Birch, Professor Emeritus of Biblical Theology, Wesley Theological Seminary"Stevens distills a vast amount of material and makes it accessible to beginning students in a way that is engaging and edifying. Her study of leadership roles shows how diverse the exercise of authority was in ancient Israel."--William P. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological SeminaryAuthor Biography:Marty E. Stevens holds a PhD in biblical studies. She is Associate Professor in the Arthur L. Larson position of Stewardship and Parish Ministry, Chief Financial Officer, and Registrar at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She is the author of Temples, Tithes, and Taxes (2006) and Theological Themes of the Old Testament: Creation, Covenant, Cultus, and Character (Cascade Books, 2010).