Digital Logos Edition
The biblical story of Israel, in its election, sin, exile, and restoration, is a finely articulated drama—the universal story of the glory and the plight of humanity and creation. And the story of Jesus, who was born from the womb of Israel as its Messiah and as the true seed of Abraham, provides the redemptive solution to the plight of both Israel and the world.
This book by C. Marvin Pate, J. Scott Duvall, J. Daniel Hays, Randolph E. Richards, W. Dennis Tucker Jr., and Preben Vang explores the unitive theme of the story of Israel from Genesis to Revelation. Probing each section of Scripture—from the Pentateuch, Psalms, and Prophets to the Gospels, Epistles, and Apocalypse—the authors bring the contours of this story to light. From close-up examinations of key texts to panoramic shots of the biblical terrain, The Story of Israel unfolds an intriguing and compelling perspective on biblical theology. And with its features of recommended readings and study questions, it is a textbook suitable for use in the classroom and individual study.
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“The first blessing relates to the orderliness of creation.” (Page 30)
“Which one of these motifs can rightly claim to be the theme that unites the various biblical authors?” (Page 11)
“The obedience of Noah to the divine will results not only in a restoration but also in new creation.” (Page 36)
“Yet as Walter Brueggemann has noted, ‘While Yahweh’s initial rescue is unconditional and without reservation, a sustained relation with Yahweh is one of rigorous demand for covenant.’14 The demand for human responsibility remains coupled with divine will. Whereas it was divine will that initiated the relationship, it is the responsibility of the nation to be the people of God by obeying his words and keeping his covenant.” (Page 39)
“In the Garden, the humans are near to God—it is paradise. But as Genesis 3 will demonstrate, outside the Garden indicates a certain separation from God. Thus, the remainder of the Pentateuch is about how Israel gets back to the Garden, not geographically but spatially. How do the people of God enjoy the blessing of being in God’s presence?” (Page 30)
The Story of Israel is an important volume on a crucial subject. While respecting the proper diversity of the different parts of the canon, the authors rightly recognize its essential coherence. The story of Israel is the story of a pattern of sin-exile-restoration. Written in a clear and engaging style, this book is a must-read for everyone interested in the message of the Bible. I particularly recommend it as a textbook for college or seminary classes.
—Tremper Longman, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College
C. Marvin Pate teaches at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He was previously professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. He is the author of several books, including The End of the Age Has Come: The Theology of Paul and The Glory of Adam and the Afflictions of the Righteous: Pauline Suffering in Context.
J. Scott Duvall is professor of New Testament at Ouachita Baptist University. He received his PhD at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the coauthor of Biblical Greek Exegesis: A Graded Approach to Learning Intermediate and Advanced Greek and Preaching God’s Word.
J. Daniel Hays is dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies and professor of Old Testament at Ouachita Baptist University. He is the author of From Every People and Nation, and he has coauthored several books, including Grasping God’s Word. He teaches adult Sunday school at his local church in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and preaches frequently throughout the nation.
E. Randolph Richards is dean of the School of Ministry and professor of biblical studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. He has frequently served as an interim or “supply” pastor, and from 1988 to 1996 he was a missionary with the International Mission Board, SBC, stationed in East Indonesia. He has an MDiv and PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is the author of several works, including Paul and First-Century Letter Writing: Secretaries, Composition and Collection.
W. Dennis Tucker Jr. is associate dean and associate professor of Christian Scriptures for George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, Waco, Texas. He has a PhD from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is the author of Jonah: A Handbook on the Hebrew Text.
Preben Vang is professor of biblical and theological studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is also pastor of Grace Pointe Church in Lake Worth, Florida. He is the coauthor of Telling God’s Story: The Biblical Narrative from Beginning to End.