Exodus 18: Its Literary Unity and Its Key Transitional Role in the Exodus Narrative
Ebook
This work argues that Exod 18:1-27 functions literarily and theologically as the key transitional midpoint in the Exodus narrative. As such, the chapter's function is both retrospective (recalling key features of chapters 1-17) and prospective (anticipating key features of chapters 19-40) at the midpoint of the book. In the Exodus narrative, the character of Jethro is rhetorically employed by the narrator as a model to contrast with all the nations and as a model to contrast with all the faithless Israelites. Exodus 18 draws to a close a first narrative movement in the first half of the book in which Yahweh is seen and known through his mighty acts of deliverance. Through Moses, Yahweh delivers. Exodus 18 also signals a shift in the second half of the book to a self-revelation of Yahweh which will feature Israel's need to heed the word and will of Yahweh as mediated through Moses. Through Moses, Yahweh will govern.
“A construed outline for a biblical book is always open to debate, but Noppawat Kumpeeroskul makes a compelling case that chapter 18 is the transitional midpoint of the Exodus narrative, highlighting the two different ways God makes himself known in the book and, especially, the theme that God desires to be known and worshiped by people of all nations. This study illumines the function of Jethro’s character and fosters broader literary and theological reflection on Exodus.”
—Thomas J. Egger, president, Concordia Seminary
“With precisely focused, detailed, and perceptive literary, exegetical, and theological analyses, Kumpeeroskul demonstrates the pivotal role of the narrative of Exodus 18, and especially the figure of Jethro, in interpreting the message of the book. This insightful study gives fresh perspectives on the construction, purpose, and method of Exodus and will stimulate much further thinking and discussion among exegetes, missiologists, and systematic theologians as well as clergy and laity engaged in serious Bible study.”
—Robert Kolb, professor emeritus of systematic theology, Concordia Seminary
- Title: Exodus 18: Its Literary Unity and Its Key Transitional Role in the Exodus Narrative
- Author: Noppawat Kumpeeroskul
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9798385218493, 9798385218479, 9798385218486
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385218493
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-07-11T20:45:37Z
Noppawat Kumpeeroskul is a member of Chonburi Christian Church in Chonburi, Thailand. He holds a doctor of philosophy in biblical studies from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri (2022). He earned a master of arts in exegetical theology from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri (2016).