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The Triumph of Grace: Literary and Theological Studies in Deuteronomy and Deuteronomic Themes
The Apostle Paul's negative statements about the law have deafened the ears of many to the grace that Moses proclaims in Deuteronomy. Most Christians have a dim view of this book, which they consider to be primarily a book of laws. However, when we read or hear it read orally without prejudice, we discover that rather than casting Moses as a legislator, he appears as Israel's first pastor, whose congregation has gathered before him to hear him preach his final sermons. Accordingly, Deuteronomy represents prophetic preaching at its finest, as Moses seeks to inspire the people of God to a life of faith and godliness in response to God's repeated demonstrations of grace. Deuteronomy is a dead book for many, because we have not recognized this gospel; we have heard only law. The essays in this collection arise from a larger project driven by a passion to recover for Christians the life-giving message of the Hebrew Scriptures in general, and to open their ears to God's amazing grace in Deuteronomy in particular. The wide-ranging "meditations" in this volume do not all focus equally on the topic of God's grace, but this theme undergirds them all. FOR BACK COVER (Delete from Metadata): "Daniel Block, in The Triumph of Grace, demonstrates why he is considered one of the premier Old Testament theologians of this generation. Lucid, thoughtful, engaging, and persuasive, Block brilliantly illuminates for his readers the theme of God's amazing grace in the Book of Deuteronomy." --David S. Dockery, President, Trinity International University "What a precious resource this is! There are few who have immersed themselves in 'the gospel according to Moses' like Dan Block, and fewer still who have matched his scholarship (which is careful and creative in equal measure), warmhearted generosity, and overwhelming desire to live and communicate the gospel in Deuteronomy with integrity and rigor." --J. Gary Millar, Principal, Queensland Theological College, Brisbane, Australia "Block shows masterful sensitivity to all levels of the text and to intertextual relationships. He solves interpretive problems and overturns misconceptions while uncovering details of meaning and literary artistry that converge to carry themes of soaring theological significance." --Roy E. Gane, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University "The most profound and comprehensive collection of Daniel Block's articles to date, [reflecting] exemplary scholarship marked by sound methodological inquiry, passionate engagement with the text, and a refreshing tone of humility." -- Rebekah L. Josberger, Associate Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, Multnomah Biblical Seminary "Although these studies will not convince everyone, Block has covered immense ground, providing us with much food for thought. I, for one, hope Block continues 'conversing with Moses' for years to come." --Brent A. Strawn, Professor of Old Testament, Emory University Daniel I. Block is Gunther H. Knoedler Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois.
937 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2017
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About the author
Daniel I. Block
68 books27 followersDaniel I. Block (DPhil, University of Liverpool) is Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He is the author of several books and numerous essays and has written commentaries on Deuteronomy, Judges-Ruth, and Ezekiel. He has also been involved in the production of the New Living Translation of the Bible and lectures and preaches around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 23, 2018
Having already written much on Moses and Deuteronomy in the past, it’s hard to believe that Daniel Block could turn out this additional massive volume. Amazingly, it’s rich material. A few things about Mr. Block’s perspective are undeniable when you get into this book: he loves the Old Testament and calls it the First Testament to keep the New Testament from stealing its spotlight, Moses was more of a pastor/shepherd than a lawgiver, and the Book of Deuteronomy is more about grace than law. Even though he writes about very scholarly subjects, there is a clear passion in his voice.
He gives us readers help on many fronts. He explains Deuteronomy’s overall role, the concept of hearing the Word of God, genre, a perspective of the covenant, explanation of the law, a great deal about the structure of Deuteronomy, followed by several chapters of a more theological nature. In those chapters, he explains prayer, divine violence, the fear of the Lord, eschatology, the kingdom, Moses as a prophet, and a final challenging chapter on comparing Moses and Galatians, all regarding Deuteronomy.
Even though many of the chapters of this book have been talks or submissions to scholarly journals that he has given over the last 20 years, I was impressed at how they fit together to provide a unified book. To me, this is the most important and helpful book on Deuteronomy of the type that discusses issues beyond what you can get in a regular commentary that I am aware of. Mr. Block plies his scholarly trade with the best of them. This is an impressive book!
Cascade Books, an imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers, already known for their impressive array of older and out-of-print titles that are still quite important, here joins the big boys in providing an important scholarly work that compares and surpasses many being released by the older, more established publishers today. The book itself is attractive, well designed, filled with copious footnotes, as well as nice charts, maps, and other helpful aids to learning.
We have a winner here. I suspect this book will be influential for many years to come. I highly recommended it!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
He gives us readers help on many fronts. He explains Deuteronomy’s overall role, the concept of hearing the Word of God, genre, a perspective of the covenant, explanation of the law, a great deal about the structure of Deuteronomy, followed by several chapters of a more theological nature. In those chapters, he explains prayer, divine violence, the fear of the Lord, eschatology, the kingdom, Moses as a prophet, and a final challenging chapter on comparing Moses and Galatians, all regarding Deuteronomy.
Even though many of the chapters of this book have been talks or submissions to scholarly journals that he has given over the last 20 years, I was impressed at how they fit together to provide a unified book. To me, this is the most important and helpful book on Deuteronomy of the type that discusses issues beyond what you can get in a regular commentary that I am aware of. Mr. Block plies his scholarly trade with the best of them. This is an impressive book!
Cascade Books, an imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers, already known for their impressive array of older and out-of-print titles that are still quite important, here joins the big boys in providing an important scholarly work that compares and surpasses many being released by the older, more established publishers today. The book itself is attractive, well designed, filled with copious footnotes, as well as nice charts, maps, and other helpful aids to learning.
We have a winner here. I suspect this book will be influential for many years to come. I highly recommended it!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 4, 2024
Read my full review at SpoiledMilks (2/11/22)
Daniel Block has marinated himself in Deuteronomy for over twenty years, and it shows in his quality writings on Deuteronomy. Some of these chapters were either presented at various conferences and then extended for the book, others have appeared as articles or chapters in other books. Yet they fit well together here.
The Law—A Curse or Sign of God’s Grace?
In this volume, Block gives 18 chapters of literary and theological studies on important themes in Deuteronomy. He covers a wide range of topics from the genre of Deuteronomy, reading Scripture, the “riddle” of Deuteronomy 27, the gift of the Sabbath, the vision for families, prayer, divine violence, Proverbs, and more.
Covenants
Regarding covenants (Ch 4), Block believes that the “the categories of conditional and unconditional covenants are best abandoned” because “God’s covenants are all irrevocable and the effectiveness of all depends upon the fidelity of the human covenant partner (the divine Suzerain is always faithful to his covenant commitments)”(62–63). Block sees three types of covenants:
1. the cosmic covenant (Gen 9),
2. the Israelite covenant (Abrahamic, Israelite, New [Renewed]),
3. and administrative (royal) covenants (Noachian, Davidic).
Seeing as though God made and declared the world to be “very good” (Gen 1:31), in Block’s view Adam and Eve didn’t need a covenant before the fall (although Gen 6:18 may refer to an earlier covenant with Adam and Eve).
Recommended?
Block has offered a magnificent book on Deuteronomy. It is an academic work, and a necessary one at that. Block pushes against critical scholars and their speculative readings, while also being humble enough to acknowledge his own idiosyncrasies. Block is able to connect the dots in Deuteronomy, the Pentateuch, and throughout the Old Testament. If you’re going to read someone on Deuteronomy, pick up Block’s works. He will provide a thick reading, a gracious reading, and one that should cause you to marvel over our gracious God in Deuteronomy.
Daniel Block has marinated himself in Deuteronomy for over twenty years, and it shows in his quality writings on Deuteronomy. Some of these chapters were either presented at various conferences and then extended for the book, others have appeared as articles or chapters in other books. Yet they fit well together here.
The Law—A Curse or Sign of God’s Grace?
In this volume, Block gives 18 chapters of literary and theological studies on important themes in Deuteronomy. He covers a wide range of topics from the genre of Deuteronomy, reading Scripture, the “riddle” of Deuteronomy 27, the gift of the Sabbath, the vision for families, prayer, divine violence, Proverbs, and more.
Covenants
Regarding covenants (Ch 4), Block believes that the “the categories of conditional and unconditional covenants are best abandoned” because “God’s covenants are all irrevocable and the effectiveness of all depends upon the fidelity of the human covenant partner (the divine Suzerain is always faithful to his covenant commitments)”(62–63). Block sees three types of covenants:
1. the cosmic covenant (Gen 9),
2. the Israelite covenant (Abrahamic, Israelite, New [Renewed]),
3. and administrative (royal) covenants (Noachian, Davidic).
Seeing as though God made and declared the world to be “very good” (Gen 1:31), in Block’s view Adam and Eve didn’t need a covenant before the fall (although Gen 6:18 may refer to an earlier covenant with Adam and Eve).
Recommended?
Block has offered a magnificent book on Deuteronomy. It is an academic work, and a necessary one at that. Block pushes against critical scholars and their speculative readings, while also being humble enough to acknowledge his own idiosyncrasies. Block is able to connect the dots in Deuteronomy, the Pentateuch, and throughout the Old Testament. If you’re going to read someone on Deuteronomy, pick up Block’s works. He will provide a thick reading, a gracious reading, and one that should cause you to marvel over our gracious God in Deuteronomy.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews