Genesis 12–50 (Old Testament Guides)

by R. W. L. Moberly

Publisher:

Sheffield Academic Press

, 1995

Overview

Moberly explains how to read the text of Genesis 12–50, introduces the patriarchal stories featured therein and then gives an in-depth interpretation of one of these, the story of Abraham in Genesis 22. The author then gives an exposition of the place, setting, context and characters of these patriarchal scriptures. Moberly finishes this insightful text by probing the discussions which are significant in the history of these biblical writings, and issuing an invitation to readers of the Old Testament. He suggests using ones imagination to embrace the OT scriptures not only as history, but also as literature.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The corollary of recognizing that Israel’s religion began with Moses is the recognition that the patriarchal material is intrinsically non-Israelite.” (Page 15)

“Presumably a major point of circumcision is that in the very act of sexual intercourse there should be an intimate reminder to both male and female within Israel that the child which is begotten is not simply the result of human processes but is also a gift from God in fulfilment of his promise.” (Page 25)

“For this makes Abraham an exemplary type of Israel, one who demonstrates as a representative individual the kind of Torah obedience to God that should characterize Israel as a whole.” (Pages 42–43)

“a religious approach is a motive rather than a method.” (Page 11)

“Probably the most obvious argument for the ancient and pre-Yahwistic character of the patriarchal traditions is the number of religious practices to which they refer which are at variance with normative Mosaic Yahwism, especially as this is set out in Deuteronomy.” (Page 76)

Product Details

• Title: Sheffield Old Testament Guides: Genesis 12–50
• Author: R.W.L. Moberly
• Publisher: Sheffield Academic Press
• Publication Date: 1995
• Pages: 106

About R. W. L. Moberly

R. W. L. Moberly (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of theology and biblical interpretation at Durham University, where he has taught for more than thirty years. He is the author of eight books, including Old Testament Theology, The Theology of the Book of Genesis, and Prophecy and Discernment. He is also an ordained priest in the Church of England.