Law and Theology in Deuteronomy (Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series, Vol. 33 | JSOTS)

by J. Gordon McConville

Publisher:

JSOT Press

, 1984

Overview

This book focuses on the relation between the law of the Old Testament and the nature of God and of grace. Asserting that the laws are a result of theology, and not the other way around, McConville acknowledges Deuteronomy as a book of history and documentation of law, but also believes it gives great insight into the character of God. He begins his study with an introduction to the general theology of Deuteronomy. McConville then concentrates on several specific areas:

• The Alter–Law
• The Sacrifices
• The Tithe
• The Law of Firstlings
• The Feasts
• The Priests and Levites

McConville examines the text from historical, linguistic, literary, and theological standpoints. He includes notes, a bibliography, and indexes.

Contents

Top Highlights

“To their voices may be added that of von Rad, who speaks of a ‘declension from grace into law’.² For these scholars the demand for obedience has somehow detracted from the excellence of the theology of Yahweh’s giving of the land, which they rightly see as central to the book.” (Page 10)

“In our view, however, the influence has passed in quite the reverse direction—from the theology of Deuteronomy to the style and theology of the laws.” (Page 8)

“The aim of the present study is to examine the relation of Deuteronomy’s laws to the theology of the book as a whole.” (Page 1)

“in what sense and to what extent a concept of covenant may be said to be reflected in the laws” (Page 10)

“The laws we have mentioned, therefore, are more than just a call to humanitarian action; rather they illustrate that moral order to which we have referred. This order consists in the paradox we have already mentioned, that the enjoyment of the land and its benefits depends upon a readiness to relinquish them.²⁰ A relationship between blessing and obedience is built into it.” (Pages 17–18)

Endorsements

McConville’s arguments should be required reading for all who are interested in the critical problems of Deuteronomy. And even those who aren’t particularly interested in the critical problems will still find McConville’s exposition of the theology of Deuteronomy well worth while.

Walter Moberly, Durham University, in , Themelios Volume 12 - Issue 1

Product Details

• Title: Law and Theology in Deuteronomy
• Author: J. Gordon McConville
• Series: Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series
• Volume: 33
• Publisher: JSOT Press
• Print Publication Date: 1984
• Logos Release Date: 2010
• Era: era:Contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Deuteronomy › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780905774794, 0905774795
• Resource ID: LLS:LAWTHEOLDEUT
• Resource Type: text.monograph.biblical-theology
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:10:42Z

About J. Gordon McConville

J. Gordon McConville (PhD, Queen’s University, Belfast) is professor of Old Testament theology at the University of Gloucestershire, where he has taught for more than twenty years. Prior to coming to Gloucestershire, he held positions at Tyndale House, Trinity College Bristol, and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. He has authored or edited many books, including the Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets and commentaries on Deuteronomy, Joshua, 1 and 2 Chronicles, and Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. McConville is the general editor of the Exploring the Old Testament series and coauthored the Prophets and Historical Books volumes in the series.