Review
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Title: The Old Testament Study Guide Start to Finish
General Editor: Thomas R. Valletta
Publisher: Deseret Book
Genre: Doctrinal Commentary
Year Published: 2021
Number of Pages: 1,457
Binding: Paperback
ISBN13: 978-1-62972-947-3
Price: $34.99
Reviewed by Trudy Thompson for the Association for Mormon Letters
Many years ago, I had the privilege of working with Tom Valletta at the flagship store of Deseret Book in downtown Salt Lake City. At the time, he worked nights as he was a Seminary teacher by day. I learned quickly that he was a serious student of the scriptures, always coming to work with the full set of scriptures under his arm. The first time we were introduced to each other, he quickly asked if I was a member. I think he was a bit disappointed when I said I had joined the church in another state and had moved to Utah to live and work.
Thomas R. Valletta is the director of the Curriculum Services Division, Seminaries, and Institutes of Religion for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He heads a team of twelve people who have researched and written for this project over many years. He was the general editor of The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish, The New Testament Study Guide: Start to Finish, Book of Mormon for Latter-day Saint Families, Great American Documents for Latter-day Saint Families, and other scripture study books in that same series.
Like his other Study Guides, The Old Testament Study Guide Start To Finish is to be used for a specific purpose. Whether the reader is a seminary student or an experienced teacher, their goal is aided by the scope of the commentary as it touches on subjects ranging from gospel doctrine to cultural context and symbolism to history and literary aspects of the book. It is a comprehensive question-and-answer commentary set alongside most of the text of the Old Testament. It draws from thousands of insights including those of General Authorities, Church magazines, and manuals, scripture reference books, etc.
The Old Testament is covered in sequential order and topics are presented by asking succinct questions in bold print followed by concise commentary. This approach allows readers to skim for points of interest, read from page to page or use in isolated portions as a supplemental guide to the scriptures.
I found the commentary and explanations in Start To Finish fascinating and helpful. For instance, in Samuel 20:5, a “new moon” is mentioned. The sidenotes ask what the new moon is and why it is important. The helpful explanation reads as follows: “The Hebrew religious calendar was based on lunar months. Religious festivals were held on days calculated from the new moon. The Jewish people also celebrated the beginning of a lunar month with a New Moon festival, including sacrifices and feasts.” The scriptural references are then given along with page reference numbers from Revell Bible Dictionary.
The Old Testament Study Guide Start To Finish gathers together unique insights and explanations from the Old Testament to help readers gain more from their personal scripture study. With more than 3500 commentary notes, in a two-column format, we are rewarded with this in-depth study. Asking inspired questions as we seek a deeper understanding of the scriptures invites personal revelation and draws us closer to Jesus Christ, inviting His strength and power into our lives.