Digital Logos Edition
In this new commentary on Exodus in the Eerdmans Critical Commentary, scholar Thomas B. Dozeman examines the book of Exodus under the rubric of the myriad literary genres that occur in the book. Dozeman accepts the conclusions of the “literary” of “higher criticism” movement and thus believes the book was composed over time throughout Israel's history. Yet, this does not remove theological significance of the book of Exodus. On the contrary, Dozeman demonstrates great aptitude in handling the book theologically, and with exceptional insight is quite skilled at relating the book to its neighboring books and the entire OT canon. This commentary is excellent for the academic setting. Whether you are looking for a commentary that treats Exodus from literary perspective, or if you want a commentary to balance the view of traditional perspectives, this book is an excellent resource.
“As a result, tradition has assigned the authorship of Exodus and the entire Pentateuch to Moses. The historical-critical study of the literature in the modern era has clarified that Exodus was not written by Moses or any other single author.” (Page 31)
“The parallels between the Legend of Sargon and Moses’ birth story include anonymous parents from the priestly class, an illegal if not illegitimate birth, a river ordeal, rescue, adoption, the protection of women, and as we will see an emphasis on the heroic deeds of Moses.” (Page 84)
“Exodus does not qualify as history. Yet the tradition that Yahweh saved” (Page 28)
“The book of Exodus is an anthology of liturgy, law, and epic lore from many different periods of Israel’s history.” (Page 1)
“The most interesting Egyptian evidence concerning the origin of Israel and their relationship to Egypt comes from the Merneptah Stele, composed during the fifth year of Merneptah’s rule (ca. 1220 b.c.e.). Merneptah is the third pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty. He followed Ramesses II, ruling in 1224–1211 b.c.e. The Merneptah Stele has the oldest reference to Israel in the Egyptian records.” (Page 29)
This commentary is an important contribution to the study of Exodus and a very useful tool.
—Frank H. Pola, Tel Aviv University
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Forrest Cole
11/9/2021
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