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Title: From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Main Themes of the Pentateuch by T. Desmond Alexander ISBN: 0-8010-2174-X Publisher: Baker Book House Pub. Date: January, 1998 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $16.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 5 (2 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Discussion on some of the major themes within the Pentateuch
Comment: T. Desmond Alexander is an Evangelical Christian who is a lecturer in Semitic studies at The Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In this book, he tries to get past the nitty-gritty details of the Pentateuch (and tries to avoid dealing with some of the fruitless and destructive biblical criticism) by getting to the themes contained within the Pentateuch and showing what these are and also drawing New Testament parallels. (I didn't agree with everything he says, like he thinks that humans were created to be vegetarians but were changed by the Fall such that they now want to eat meat.) But I thought this was a solid work that brought out many of the themes within the Pentateuch that are sometimes clouded by biblical criticism (such as Wellhausen's source critical "Documentary Hypothesis" theory). This book was required reading for a Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary "Theology of the Pentateuch" Master level course.
Although he tends to repeat himself, he brings out a number of excellent insights into the themes which unite the five books of the Pentateuch. He also brings out how the books relate to each other, such as Exodus presupposing knowledge of the Patriarchs and their promises, and so on. He thus is committed to the Mosaic authorship and traditional view of Scripture and brings out the unity within the Pentateuch. He surveys the Pentateuch (in the traditional order) and then brings out the themes.
Some of his themes include the concept of a "Royal Lineage in Genesis," where the geneaologies highlight a redemptive line ("seed/offspring of the woman", a chosen seed), ultimately pointing to Abraham, David and then to Christ. A second theme is "Paradise Lost," and the cursing of the land and exile within Adam, Cain, Noah, Babel, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. In contrast, the reversal of the curse is found within God's blessing, from one man (Abraham) to one nation (Israel) to all nations (by Christ and subsequently the church). Faith then is highlighted in the life of Abraham (Gen. 12, 15, 17, 22). Then the theme of Exodus is "Who is the LORD?" (and "who knows the LORD?") Knowing God - knowing His saving acts and deeds, and thus His attributes, character, is central to Exodus. (This echoes J. A. Motyer's "Revelation of the Divine Name.") Then the Passover is discussed, and the covenant of Sinai (the Ten Commandments, covenants, the Book of the Covenant, and the moral or apodidic rules). Then there is an interesting dissertation on the Tabernacle (although a better and more fascinating treatment is probably M. G. Kline's Kingdom Prologue or Images of the Spirit). Then the calling within Levitticus is "Be Holy" (Alexander explores this theme in holiness, clean-ness, and unclean-ness, and the parallels in the sacrificial system and in food). Then in Numbers, Alexander highlights the role of the Levites, the preparation of the Conquest, and the complaints of the unbelieving Israelites. Alexander ends with Deuteronomy and Covenants (theme of love and loyalty) and why God elected Israel and what the expectations were on Israel (as in any covenant, there are stipulations and sanctions, that is, expected behavior of complete fidelity and obedience, as well as love and loyalty to the LORD, and blessings were upon who complied, and curses - even exile - to those who were disobedient; in addition, Israelites were to be a light to nations).
Overall, a very easy to read work and very enlightening. Good read if you want to get past all the little details of the Pentateuch and see the great overarching themes (and understand why these had to be there).
Rating: 5
Summary: An Excellent Introduction
Comment: This is far and away the best introduction to the Pentateuch from a conservative viewpoint that is available today. It is accesible without compromising its scholarly integrity. It is a pleasure to read, and helpful in every way.
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Title: From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch by T. Desmond Alexander ISBN: 0801025974 Publisher: Baker Book House Pub. Date: October, 2002 List Price(USD): $24.99 |
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Title: Nonfinite Loss and Grief: A Psychoeducational Approach by Elizabeth J. Bruce, Cynthia L. Schultz ISBN: 1557665176 Publisher: Paul H Brookes Pub Co Pub. Date: July, 2001 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
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Title: Dancing With Disabilities: Opening the Church to All God's Children by Brett Webb-Mitchell, Brett Web-Michael ISBN: 0829811524 Publisher: United Church Pr Pub. Date: January, 1997 List Price(USD): $16.00 |
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Title: God Plays Piano, Too: The Spiritual Lives of Disabled Children by Brett Webb-Mitchell ISBN: 0824513746 Publisher: Crossroad/Herder & Herder Pub. Date: October, 1993 List Price(USD): $21.95 |
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Title: Unexpected Guests at God's Banquet: Welcoming People With Disabilities into the Church by Brett Webb-Mitchell ISBN: 0824514408 Publisher: Crossroad/Herder & Herder Pub. Date: October, 1994 List Price(USD): $17.95 |
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