This book was used as a textbook for teaching an introduction to the Old Testament for nearly 20 years, up until the year 2020, while I was a professor. Although it needs to be updated into English, it reflects the level of understanding and the academic landscape of Old Testament studies from that period. The book was used not only in university courses but also in seminary programs and was often referenced in other academic institutions.
It summarizes and explains the research of prominent scholars in theology in an accessible way, presenting controversies and challenges, while also offering my own theological understanding of the Old Testament. However, I recognize that it is lacking. Publishing a book written in the 2000s in English today is also insufficient. This is just the beginning. I intend to supplement and expand it further. Yet, theological arguments do not fade with time, as they are part of the history of theology, making it valuable to reference them.
This book was created out of necessity. I hope you will keep in mind that it was designed as a guideline to help those studying or attending lectures in English to understand the material more easily.
Professor Hak-Jae Lee is an Old Testament theologian, biblical interpreter, and Bible translator. He is currently serving as Vice President of Covenant University.
He has held various roles, including Assistant Secretary General of the Korean Evangelical Theological Society (2010-11), Secretary and Treasurer of the Editorial Board for the Commentary Series (2010-11), and Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the Bible and Archaeology editorial board (2016-18). He participated in the translation and revision of the Bareun Bible (Biblical Society, 2000-2015), as well as the translation and revision of the Massa Bible (2021), translating the Massa Bible (2021) directly from the original texts for publication. He is deeply interested in original language Bible education and continues to publish Monthly Massa, making a lasting impact on biblical studies in the Korean church. His ministry is dedicated to promoting the Reformation spirit of "Sola Scriptura" by thoroughly studying the original texts of the Bible and helping all Koreans freely access and read these original scriptures. In addition, he continues to serve as a board member at the Bible Society, following his service with the Biblical Society.
Publications
Learning from the Old Testament (2001), Ire Publishing
How to Read Ezekiel (2002), Bible Union
What to Preach from the Old Testament (2006), Yeyoung Communication
Messages of the Prophets (2008), Joyful Day
The Bible 1189: The Pentateuch (2008), Joyful Day
God, the Lord of History: A Commentary on Daniel (2011)
A Commentary on the Psalms, Book 1: Psalms 1-41 (2013), Spirituality Network
Fleeting and Fleeting: A Commentary on Ecclesiastes (2013), Spirituality Network
A Commentary on the Psalms, Book 2: Psalms 42-100 (2014), Spirituality Network
Original Standard Bible - Handwritten Bible, Proverbs (2016), Joyful Day
Original Standard Bible - Handwritten Bible, Psalms (2016), Joyful Day
Original Reference Translation: The Writings (2016), Joyful Day
Hebrew Made Easy with Simple Words (2017), Logos
Original Text Study Notes: Genesis (2018), Joyful Day
Original Observation: Joshua (2021), Holy Book Club