Chaos or Covenant? A Short Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch

by Michael S. Moore

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2024

The purpose of this book is to introduce the Pentateuch to (under)graduate students by approaching it from the perspective of five theological polarities: chaos-creation (Genesis), slavery-freedom (Exodus), defilement-holiness (Leviticus), wilderness-homeland (Numbers), and conflict-covenant (Deuteronomy). It examines these polarities in light of other great texts from the ancient Near East (and Qur'an) in the hope of ushering the reader into a deeper understanding of the one God revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

Praise for Chaos or Covenant?

“I am pleased to recommend this short and well-informed volume. This is a worthy volume that should receive a good reception by students and scholars alike and find a useful place in courses on the Pentateuch.”

—Lee Martin McDonald, president emeritus and professor of biblical studies, Acadia Divinity College



“Michael Moore has recognized that the power of the Bible lies in the tensions it presents, and that the task of interpretation is not to resolve those tensions but to stand and survive at their generative intersections. In the Torah the Israelite ancestors do this work, and the literary record they have left behind beckons us to follow them. Moore offers an attentive guide to accompany us on the way.”

—Mark McEntire, professor of biblical studies, Belmont University



“Michael Moore has written a concise and stimulating introduction to the Pentateuch as a ‘great text’ among other epic masterworks in the ancient world. He focuses on the present form of the text, guiding the reader through a series of contrasting themes that link the five books into a literary whole, recounting a journey from chaos in Genesis to covenant in Deuteronomy.”

—Thomas B. Dozeman, professor of Old Testament, United Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Chaos or Covenant? A Short Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch
• Author: Michael S. Moore
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Print Publication Date: 2024
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781666780819, 9781666780802, 1666780804, 9781666780796, 1666780790, 1666780812
• Resource ID: LLS:9781666780819
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-08T01:08:47Z

About Michael S. Moore

Michael S. Moore is Associate Director and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary Southwest in Phoenix, Arizona. He has taught at Arizona State University, Bethany College, Fuller Theological Seminary, Kino Institute, Muhlenburg College, Ottawa University, Preston Road Center for Christian Education, and Southern Christian University.