Interpreting the Pentateuch: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis | HOTE)

by Peter T. Vogt

Publisher:

Kregel

, 2009

Overview

In Interpreting the Pentateuch, Old Testament scholar Peter T. Vogt overviews the major themes of the Pentateuch and offers strategies for interpretation by exploring its genres: law and narrative. Divided into three parts, Interpreting the Pentateuch first provides an overview of the major themes of the Pentateuch. In the second part, Vogt offers resources and strategies for interpreting and understanding the first five books of the Bible by exploring its genres-law and narrative. Finally, Vogt shows that, although the Pentateuch is a collection of ancient texts, it still has contemporary significance. Providing two start-to-finish examples of proper exegesis, he shows that, although the Pentateuch is a collection of ancient texts, it still has contemporary significance.

Key Features

• Guides readers in the interpretation and preaching of the Bible
• Provides practical examples of sound exegesis
• Includes insight into the literary genres, historical context, and theological themes of biblical books

About the Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis Series

The Old Testament displays a remarkable literary and theological unity through a variety of genres. But applying a single, one-size-fits-all method of exegesis can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. A valuable reference tool for students and pastors, the (HOTE) series provides readers with an enhanced understanding of different Old Testament genres and strategies for interpretation.

Top Highlights

“Rather than being a burden of legalistic requirements necessary to earn relationship with God, the Torah was a gracious gift from God, who, out of love for his people, sought to tell them what they needed to know in order to live their lives as the people of Yahweh. In this way, the Torah should be compared to a doctor’s prescription, rather than a job description.” (Page 28)

“In the Torah, we find God’s ‘prescription’ for how to live a life in relationship to him” (Page 28)

“Israel was to serve as mediator for the rest of humanity” (Page 29)

“Deuteronomy obviously presents many of the same laws that appear in Exodus and Leviticus. But it would be a mistake to consider Deuteronomy simply a repetition of the earlier material, though it has sometimes been popularly understood that way. Rather, Deuteronomy represents a recontextualization¹⁷ of the earlier material, as Moses addresses a different audience from those who heard the law given at Sinai/Horeb.” (Page 137)

“I have argued against the view that says that the law is not applicable to the Christian, or is perhaps only partially applicable (e.g., the civil and ceremonial laws are not applicable, but the moral law is), and in favor of the view that the entire law is relevant and applicable for the Christian. But while I believe that to be true, I also believe that the life, ministry, death, resurrection, and exaltation of Christ have profound implications for the identity of the people of God and, consequently, our relationship to the law. We will be discussing this in some detail below.” (Pages 136–137)

Product Details

• Title: Interpreting the Pentateuch: An Exegetical Handbook
• Author: Peter T. Vogt
• Series: Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis
• Publisher: Kregel
• Print Publication Date: 2009
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 224
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Pentateuch › Criticism, interpretation, etc
• ISBNs: 9780825427626, 0825427622
• Resource ID: LLS:EXGHBKPENT
• Resource Type: text.monograph.handbook
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T23:47:05Z

About Peter T. Vogt

Peter T. Vogt is associate professor of Old Testament at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is the author of Deuteronomic Theology and The Significance of Torah: A Reappraisal.