Flame of Yahweh: Sexuality in the Old Testament

by Richard M. Davidson

Publisher:

Hendrickson

, 2007

Overview

Flame of Yahweh offers a thorough exploration of gender relationships and sexual activity in the Old Testament. Topics include sexuality in Eden, the elevation vs. the denigration of women, exclusivity vs. adultery and premarital sex, permanence vs. divorce and remarriage, intimacy vs. incest, and sexuality in the Song of Songs.

Written from a theologically conservative perspective, Richard Davidson provides a meticulously researched work that makes extensive use of other ancient Near Eastern documents on subjects ranging from homosexuality to gender relations. At the same time, the author offers clear explanations of terms and historical context that make the work accessible and engaging.

• Discusses various topics of sexuality as they appear in the Old Testament
• Includes comparisons to other scholars and resources
• Attempts to present a full theology of Old Testament human sexuality

Table of Contents

• Section 1: Sexuality in Eden: The Divine Design (Genesis 1–3)
  • Sexuality in the Beginning: Genesis 1–2
  • Sexuality and the Fall: Genesis 3
• Section 2: Sexuality outside the Garden: Old Testament Development (Torah, Prophets,Writings)
  • Creation Ordinance versus Cultic Sexuality
  • Human Heterosexuality versus Homosexuality, Transvestism, and Bestiality
  • Monogamy versus Polygamy/Concubinage
  • Elevation versus Denigration of Women
  • Wholeness versus Fragmentation (Prostitution,Mixed Marriages Masturbation, Sexual Blemishes, and Impurities)
  • Exclusivity versus Adultery and Premarital Sex
  • Permanence versus Divorce/Remarriage
  • Intimacy versus Incest
  • Procreative Sexuality versus Problems/Distortions (Childlessness, Children Born out of Wedlock, and Abortion)
  • Beauty versus Rape and the Parody of Beauty
• Return to Eden
  • Sexuality in the Song of Songs: The Holy of Holies
  • Sexuality in the Song of Songs: The Flame of Yahweh
• Some Implications for a New Testament Theology of Sexuality

Endorsements

This volume represents a most remarkable achievement. With encyclopedic breadth and extraordinary depth the author explores what the Old Testament has to say about every conceivable subject related to human sexuality. His discussions of the ancient Near Eastern cultural contexts, from which Old Testament writings emerged and to which they appear to have responded, are exceptional; and his treatment of specific biblical passages is generally balanced and thorough. Regardless of where readers find themselves in debates concerning sexual morality of gender relations, in the future, all who embark on serious study of biblical perspectives on these issues would do well to start with Davidson’s work.

—Daniel L. Block, Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College

Product Details

• Title: Flame of Yahweh: Sexuality in the Old Testament
• Author: Richard M. Davidson
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 850
• Christian Group: Seventh-day Adventist
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: Sexual Ethics

Benefits of Logos Edition

The Logos Bible Software edition of this volume is designed to encourage and stimulate your study and understanding of Scripture. Biblical passages link directly to your English translations and original-language texts, and important theological concepts link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. In addition, you can perform powerful searches by topic and find what other authors, scholars, and theologians have to say about the Word of God.

About Richard M. Davidson

Richard M. Davidson is an Old Testament scholar and Seventh-day Adventist. He has authored dozens of articles for theological journals. As of 2009, he is the chair of the Old Testament department at Andrews University, and the J. N. Andrews Professor of Old Testament Exegesis. He is married to JoAnn Davidson.