A Theological Introduction to the Pentateuch: Interpreting the Torah as Christian Scripture

by Richard S. Briggs (Editor), Joel N. Lohr (Editor)

In this concise volume, a team of fresh Old Testament voices explores the theological dimensions of the Pentateuch and provides specific examples of critically engaged theological interpretation. This Pentateuch text is unique in that it emphasizes theological reading, serving as an affordable supplement to traditional introductory Pentateuch texts. Each chapter introduces theological themes and issues in interpretation then offers exegesis of one or two representative passages to model theological interpretation in practice. This useful text will be valued by students of the Old Testament and the Pentateuch as well as pastors.

Genres: Theology

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

Richard S. Briggs (PhD, University of Nottingham) is director of biblical studies and hermeneutics at Cranmer Hall, St. John’s College, University of Durham in Durham, England. He is the author of several books.

Reviews

[Jordan Southerland · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2. Fire except for the chapter on numbers and his super lowkey denial of eternal sonship 😂

But a great intro to the Pentateuch and I feel I know the law better so nice job

[R. Fox · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is there some good academic info in this book? Sure. But there's good academic info in most academic studies of the Pentateuch.

The problem is that it focuses intensely on individual books and not so much on helping readers and students see the 5-in-1 design of the Torah / Pentateuch. I honestly learned more about the scope and design of the Pentateuch from Gordon Wenham's small Numbers commentary (TOTC series) than from this book.

Also, the style is not up to date. There is technical information but no sense of awe and wonder at the artistry, scope, design, and ultimately theology of the Pentateuch. These days, many many books in biblical studies can provide the academic info while not sacrificing good writing and a reverent tone considering the subject matter.

Tried to use this as one of two books in a Pentateuch class---this one more academic, another one more theological and missional---will not make that mistake again.

Hope this helps.

[Daniel Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Describes itself as a 'Walter Moberly Festschrift'. Very accurately.