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Reading the First Five Books: The Invitation of the Pentateuch's Stories
This book invites readers to rediscover the artistry and transformative power of the narratives of the first five books of the Bible.Reading the First Five Books highlights key literary techniques like brevity, pacing, characterization, and use of the grotesque, showing how these characteristics shape biblical stories into memorable, complex narratives that reward close reading. This accessible guide unpacks what makes Old Testament stories effective while cultivating skills for deeper engagement with scriptural texts. Extended examples drawn from each book of the Pentateuch are included.Bridging literary study and biblical scholarship, Reading the First Five Books models a spirit of open-minded yet careful reading that uncovers profound meaning in sparse details. The book is ideal for courses on the Old Testament or the Pentateuch. Students will find valuable instruction and inspiration for their own journeys through these sacred texts.
192 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 26, 2025
a nice cover and the first chapter captivated me with her statement:
if someone asks what a story is about, you can't actually answer, because the form of the story is much more than the content. same with the Pentateuch. they are stories so read them as stories.
but the rest of the chapters were a bit too light on, would have appreciated slower going through just one or two scenarios instead.
but first chapter I recommend!
if someone asks what a story is about, you can't actually answer, because the form of the story is much more than the content. same with the Pentateuch. they are stories so read them as stories.
but the rest of the chapters were a bit too light on, would have appreciated slower going through just one or two scenarios instead.
but first chapter I recommend!
June 2, 2025
The author begins by writing about lectio divina reading: "the slow and meditative reading of a small portion of Scripture." But she doesn't stay there. The book primarily addresses the characteristics of Old Testament story-telling: brevity, pacing, characterization in its complexity, and the grotesque. By the last, she means those stories that get papered over in kids' Sunday school classes: Abraham passing off Sarah as his sister, the enormity of death in the flood, and so on. She ends with Deuteronomy, the least story-like of the books of the Pentateuch, but which retells the stories of a previous generation for educating the present.
It's not a bad book, it's just not all that good. When you read the Bible, read slowly and pay attention to what you are reading. Expect to be knocked sideways by the stories, because these were real people you are reading about, with all their foibles and shortcomings. But God loved them and used them to fulfill his purposes.
It's not a bad book, it's just not all that good. When you read the Bible, read slowly and pay attention to what you are reading. Expect to be knocked sideways by the stories, because these were real people you are reading about, with all their foibles and shortcomings. But God loved them and used them to fulfill his purposes.
July 22, 2025
You can read a longer version of this review at SpoiledMilks (05/29/25).
In Reading the First Five Books, Rachel Toombs challenges the way we often approach the Pentateuch—rushing through its genealogies, laws, and wars to extract quick truths. Instead, she urges us to read slowly, curiously, and humbly, allowing the text to shape us. Toombs critiques rigid interpretations (like the Chicago Statements) and steers readers away from viewing Scripture as a factbook with one “right” answer.
She explores how the Pentateuch communicates through brevity, pacing, characterization, grotesque moments, and storytelling. Though she critiques overly literal readings, she avoids pure subjectivism. Her strongest call is to treat reading Scripture as a transforming encounter.
While her reflections on method are helpful, her case studies often feel thin, lacking deep engagement with theological meaning—especially in portraying God’s character. Even so, this book pushes readers to let go of “microwave answers” and to linger in the difficulty of the text. It's not about mastering the Bible but being mastered by it.
Review Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Academic for an honest review.
In Reading the First Five Books, Rachel Toombs challenges the way we often approach the Pentateuch—rushing through its genealogies, laws, and wars to extract quick truths. Instead, she urges us to read slowly, curiously, and humbly, allowing the text to shape us. Toombs critiques rigid interpretations (like the Chicago Statements) and steers readers away from viewing Scripture as a factbook with one “right” answer.
She explores how the Pentateuch communicates through brevity, pacing, characterization, grotesque moments, and storytelling. Though she critiques overly literal readings, she avoids pure subjectivism. Her strongest call is to treat reading Scripture as a transforming encounter.
While her reflections on method are helpful, her case studies often feel thin, lacking deep engagement with theological meaning—especially in portraying God’s character. Even so, this book pushes readers to let go of “microwave answers” and to linger in the difficulty of the text. It's not about mastering the Bible but being mastered by it.
Review Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Academic for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews