A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch: Interpreting the Torah as Christian Scripture

A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch: Interpreting the Torah as Christian Scripture

In this concise volume, a team of fresh Old Testament voices explores the theological dimensions of the Pentateuch and provides specific examples of critically engaged theological interpretation. This Pentateuch text is unique in that it emphasizes theological reading, serving as an affordable supplement to traditional introductory Pentateuch texts. Each chapter introduces theological themes and issues in interpretation then offers exegesis of one or two representative passages to model theological interpretation in practice. This useful text will be valued by students of the Old Testament and the Pentateuch as well as pastors. "A penetrating primer on what it means to read the Pentateuch well as 'theologically interested interpreters'--and a lovely tribute to the probing insight and pedagogical skill of Walter Moberly. The authors offer full coverage of all five pentateuchal books along with sustained engagements of several key texts. The volume concludes with an appendix detailing the cumulative scope of Moberly's distinctive contributions to pentateuchal study." -- Stephen B. Chapman , Duke University "This book matches the urbane elegance of Walter Moberly, who inspired it among colleagues and former students. Like Moberly's work, A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch takes up big theological issues but anchors them in careful, detailed studies of particular passages. It thus illuminates on the macro scale and on the micro scale." -- John Goldingay , Fuller Theological Seminary "A well-proportioned and substantive introduction to the first five books of the Bible with hermeneutical guidance in the form of sample interpretation of key texts for each book. The book is nicely designed and executed--a valuable text for the classroom. It serves as an excellent tribute to Walter Moberly and his own exegetical work." -- Christopher R. Seitz , Wycliffe College, University of Toronto "Briggs and Lohr, along with their cowriters, have exploited the inheritance of their teacher Walter Moberly to engage with the best of historical-critical and literary approaches to each book of the Pentateuch. Both for the general landscape of theological perspectives on each book and for the exemplary exploration of a specific text (or two) in each book, this volume provides an essential introduction to the field of theological interpretation at the beginning of the Bible." -- Richard S. Hess , Denver Seminary "Few portions of Scripture seem to yield such an unending discovery of riches and resources to scholar and layperson alike as do the five books of the Pentateuch. The essays in this volume add richly and discerningly to those discoveries. Happily, each writer moves beyond the necessary historical and literary questions in order to engage the text theologically. I highly recommend this volume." -- Victor P. Hamilton , Asbury University Richard S. Briggs (PhD, University of Nottingham) is lecturer in Old Testament and director of biblical studies at Cranmer Hall, St. John's College, Durham University. He is an ordained minister in the Church of England, where he serves as prior of the Community of St. Cuthbert based at St. Nic's Church in Durham, England. His books include Theological Hermeneutics and the Book of Numbers as Christian Scripture , Reading the Bible Wisely, and The Virtuous Reader . Joel N. Lohr (PhD, University of Durham) is president of Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut. He previously served as university chaplain and director of religious life at the University of the Pacific.