Digital Logos Edition
Genesis 12-50: A Narrative-Theological Commentary uses narrative criticism to bring out the theological aspects of the biblical story. While basing itself on the Christian belief that Christ is the goal of all Scripture, it nevertheless allows the Hebrew Bible to speak for itself and to show how its inner message may receive completion in Christ. Hence, it adopts what the author calls a “two-stage” hermeneutics. A particular contribution of this commentary is the comparison and confrontation of patristic and early rabbinic exegesis as Christians and Jews struggled over the same texts, using them to support their diverse beliefs. The discussion is geared towards the average educated reader.
Fr. Okoye’s book is a masterpiece in the depth with which the subject matter is treated; in reminding us that the books of the Bible (exemplified in Gen 12–50) are essentially theological narration rooted in the life of their biblical actors. The author’s faith-based contact with the word over the years has immensely contributed to the unique insights in the book. He is to be highly commended for offering this gift to the public.
—Teresa Okure, SHCJ, Professor of New Testament and Gender Hermeneutics, Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
In this second volume of his major commentary on Genesis, James Okoye again proves his mastery at drawing from the biblical text not only its historical background and complex and rich literary character, but also its potential theological and spiritual meanings for today’s Christian reader. This is what makes this commentary valuable for the community of faith.
—Donald Senior, CP, President Emeritus, Professor of New Testament, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago
This commentary is an excellent example of narrative analysis in the service of theological reflection. Okoye makes the text of Genesis come alive in a new way for both the professional and non-professional reader, for anyone who wants to benefit from the fruits of solid contemporary scholarship as well as the wisdom of the past.
—John R. Barker, OFM, Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago