Forms of the Old Testament Literature Series: Genesis, with an Introduction to Narrative Literature (FOTL)

by George W. Coats

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1983

Overview

In the introduction to this volume, George Coats discusses narrative in general and the principal Old Testament narratives in particular. He then sets the book of Genesis in its larger Old Testament context, analyzing its major sections and subsections, and uses the succeeding chapters to treat each of the major sections individually.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The saga falls into three subcategories: (1) the primeval saga, or a narrative account of the beginning time, the time that produced the world as it is from an original ideal world; (2) the family saga, or a narrative account of the events that compose the past of the family unit; and (3) the heroic saga, or a narrative account of the events that compose the past of a people’s leader who, by virtue of his identification with his people, made it possible for the people to endure (see Westermann, Promises, 31–35).” (Page 5)

“The criteria for establishing these categories are: (1) a distinctive structure, (2) distinctive vocabulary patterns, perhaps appearing as indicators of the structure, (3) a typical setting, and (4) a qualifying function of the literary piece within its setting, thus a distinctive intention.” (Page 4)

“In this case, however, the events do not embrace the affairs of a family or tribe, but rather the events in the life of a central figure significant for the life of the people who remember him. Thus, typically, the saga includes some account of the hero’s birth, marriage, vocational commitment, and death.” (Page 6)

“The goal of this form-critical analysis of OT narrative calls instead for evaluation of the narrative for itself, even if the history it projects proves to be less than the accurate witness sought by the historian.” (Page 3)

“The point of tension lies in man’s relationship with God as it works itself out in the Garden” (Page 53)

Praise for the Print Edition

A most welcome book. It adds several dimensions to the interpretation of [Genesis]. Because of the comprehensiveness of its treatment of Genesis and the balanced judgment of Professor Coats, the book functions, at times, as a test of the validity of its own major method—form criticism in Old Testament study.

—Matitiahu Tsevat, Hebrew Union College

Product Details

• Title: Forms of the Old Testament Literature Series: Genesis, with an Introduction to Narrative Literature (FOTL)
• Author: George W. Coats
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1983
• Pages: 334

About George W. Coats

George W. Coats was professor emeritus of Old Testament at Lexington Theological Seminary, Kentucky before his death in 2006. He wrote the commentary on Exodus 1-18 and coauthored Numbers in the Forms of the Old Testament Literature Series (17 vols.).