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Essential Studies in Biblical Theology
Rebels and Exiles: A Biblical Theology of Sin and Restoration
Biblical Foundations Book Awards Finalist
Deep within the human psyche lies a sense that we were made for something more than this broken world. We all share an experience of exile—of longing for our true home.
In this ESBT volume, Matthew S. Harmon explores how the theme of sin and exile is developed throughout Scripture. He traces a common pattern of human rebellion, God's judgment, and the hope of restored relationship, beginning with the first humans and concluding with the end of exile in a new creation. In this story we encounter the remarkable grace of a God who wants to dwell with his people, and we learn how to live well as exiles in a fallen world.
Rebels and Exiles makes clear how the paradigm of sin leading to exile is foundational for understanding both the biblical storyline and human existence.
Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, explore the central or "essential" themes of the Bible's grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1-3, authors explore the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemption history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an introduction to biblical theology.
Deep within the human psyche lies a sense that we were made for something more than this broken world. We all share an experience of exile—of longing for our true home.
In this ESBT volume, Matthew S. Harmon explores how the theme of sin and exile is developed throughout Scripture. He traces a common pattern of human rebellion, God's judgment, and the hope of restored relationship, beginning with the first humans and concluding with the end of exile in a new creation. In this story we encounter the remarkable grace of a God who wants to dwell with his people, and we learn how to live well as exiles in a fallen world.
Rebels and Exiles makes clear how the paradigm of sin leading to exile is foundational for understanding both the biblical storyline and human existence.
Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, explore the central or "essential" themes of the Bible's grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1-3, authors explore the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemption history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an introduction to biblical theology.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 29, 2021
Chalk this volume up as another smashing success in the new ESBT (Essential Studies in Biblical Theology). I love how this series takes a broader view than many similar series, yet imparts so much vital information. Matthew S. Harmon gifts us with something powerful about the doctrine of sin with a view toward redemption. After you read this book, you will agree that the concept of rebels and exiles is key in Scripture.
After making a good case in his brief introduction that “exile” is a proper rubric to study sin, he plunges into tracing that line throughout the Bible. Chapter 1 was my favorite, not because his writing deteriorated later, but because the story of Adam was like a home run out of the park to illustrate his theme. Additionally, he provided nugget after nugget that I especially enjoyed that imbibed freshness into an old story. Subsequent chapters follow the timeline of scripture seeing “exile” all along the journey. I will have to admit that it was there.
He followed through until he got to the New Creation where “exile” is finally banished. His final chapter on the practical implications of what he has written about brought theology out of the textbook and into life. I loved how he explained how we have a homesickness for a place we’ve never been!
At the end he gave some detailed suggestions for further reading as well as a thorough bibliography.
The success of this volume makes me even more excited to look at the others in the series. You have here accessible theology with real depth. What more could you ask for?
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.
After making a good case in his brief introduction that “exile” is a proper rubric to study sin, he plunges into tracing that line throughout the Bible. Chapter 1 was my favorite, not because his writing deteriorated later, but because the story of Adam was like a home run out of the park to illustrate his theme. Additionally, he provided nugget after nugget that I especially enjoyed that imbibed freshness into an old story. Subsequent chapters follow the timeline of scripture seeing “exile” all along the journey. I will have to admit that it was there.
He followed through until he got to the New Creation where “exile” is finally banished. His final chapter on the practical implications of what he has written about brought theology out of the textbook and into life. I loved how he explained how we have a homesickness for a place we’ve never been!
At the end he gave some detailed suggestions for further reading as well as a thorough bibliography.
The success of this volume makes me even more excited to look at the others in the series. You have here accessible theology with real depth. What more could you ask for?
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 9, 2024
Very well written. Doesn’t lose the forest for the trees. Accessible and easy to read.
August 17, 2024
4.0 Stars
A satisfactory work on the biblical theology of sin and restoration. I definitely appreciate his emphasis on the theme of exile and return. Good book.
A satisfactory work on the biblical theology of sin and restoration. I definitely appreciate his emphasis on the theme of exile and return. Good book.
February 24, 2021
Summary: A study of the theme of exile throughout the Bible, from the garden, to the warnings and reality of Israel’s exile, the return from exile accomplished by Christ, realized in part even while his people remain exiles awaiting the new creation.
I have to admit, I have really liked the volumes of the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology that I have read. Each surveys a key theme that may be traced through scripture, both its significance in historical context and for believers in the present. Each volume is biblically grounded, reflects current scholarship, and readable for the non-specialist. This volume is no exception as Matthew S. Harmon traces the theme of exile through scripture.
He begins with Adam and Eve in Genesis, yielding to the temptations of rebellion and idolatry. Harmon draws this conclusion explaining the significance of the exile from Eden:
"The message could not be clearer: rebellion and idolatry result in exile–separation from the presence of God. As pure holiness, God cannot allow sinful humanity access to his garden sanctuary, so he drives the couple out. To ensure that they can never reenter the garden, God places cherubim at the entrance as angelic guardians in conjunction with a flaming sword that turned in every direction. God ensures that humanity can never again access the Tree of Life at the center of his garden sanctuary. Yes, they are still divine image bearers. But now they must live out this reality in exile, away from the presence of their Maker."
MATTHEW S. HARMON, P. 15.
Harmon then traces God’s plan to work through Abraham to bring an end to exile. But first his grandson Jacob and his twelve sons must spend 400 years away from the land in Egypt. God makes them a people and brings them into the land under Moses and Joshua, with warnings that if they forsake the law of the covenant, they will be forsaken in exile. They rebel and God keeps his promise, as first the northern kingdom is defeated by Assyria, and later the south goes into exile in Babylon. Repentance brings return in 538 BC, and yet exile continues as they live under foreign rulers. Full restoration occurs only when Jesus dies for their sins, rises to life and ascends to rule.
One of the highlights of this book for me was the study of the various letters that speak of God’s people as redeemed and yet exiles in the world, called to live as imitators of Christ and citizens of heaven while still in exile, a unique way to cast our already/not yet condition. The study concludes with the final end of exile in the new creation.
The concluding chapter draws seven implications of the biblical material on exile. We are enabled to understand:
1. Who God is and his plan for this world.
2. Who we are as human beings.
3. What is wrong with this world.
4. What God has done to fix this broken world through Jesus.
5. That this world is not our true home.
6. How to live as God’s people in this world.
7. Where our true hope lies.
Particularly compelling is this idea of understanding why we have this sense of longing for we know not what or where. Carson McCullers writes, “We are homesick most for the places we have never known.” C.S. Lewis describes “desire for our own far off country . . . for something that has never actually appeared in our experience.” Longing is the proper response for exiles who are still far from home.
Harmon helps us read the narrative of scripture through the lens of exile, making sense of our condition and God’s big story. It is a story that addresses our deepest longings and the source where we find hope.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I have to admit, I have really liked the volumes of the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology that I have read. Each surveys a key theme that may be traced through scripture, both its significance in historical context and for believers in the present. Each volume is biblically grounded, reflects current scholarship, and readable for the non-specialist. This volume is no exception as Matthew S. Harmon traces the theme of exile through scripture.
He begins with Adam and Eve in Genesis, yielding to the temptations of rebellion and idolatry. Harmon draws this conclusion explaining the significance of the exile from Eden:
"The message could not be clearer: rebellion and idolatry result in exile–separation from the presence of God. As pure holiness, God cannot allow sinful humanity access to his garden sanctuary, so he drives the couple out. To ensure that they can never reenter the garden, God places cherubim at the entrance as angelic guardians in conjunction with a flaming sword that turned in every direction. God ensures that humanity can never again access the Tree of Life at the center of his garden sanctuary. Yes, they are still divine image bearers. But now they must live out this reality in exile, away from the presence of their Maker."
MATTHEW S. HARMON, P. 15.
Harmon then traces God’s plan to work through Abraham to bring an end to exile. But first his grandson Jacob and his twelve sons must spend 400 years away from the land in Egypt. God makes them a people and brings them into the land under Moses and Joshua, with warnings that if they forsake the law of the covenant, they will be forsaken in exile. They rebel and God keeps his promise, as first the northern kingdom is defeated by Assyria, and later the south goes into exile in Babylon. Repentance brings return in 538 BC, and yet exile continues as they live under foreign rulers. Full restoration occurs only when Jesus dies for their sins, rises to life and ascends to rule.
One of the highlights of this book for me was the study of the various letters that speak of God’s people as redeemed and yet exiles in the world, called to live as imitators of Christ and citizens of heaven while still in exile, a unique way to cast our already/not yet condition. The study concludes with the final end of exile in the new creation.
The concluding chapter draws seven implications of the biblical material on exile. We are enabled to understand:
1. Who God is and his plan for this world.
2. Who we are as human beings.
3. What is wrong with this world.
4. What God has done to fix this broken world through Jesus.
5. That this world is not our true home.
6. How to live as God’s people in this world.
7. Where our true hope lies.
Particularly compelling is this idea of understanding why we have this sense of longing for we know not what or where. Carson McCullers writes, “We are homesick most for the places we have never known.” C.S. Lewis describes “desire for our own far off country . . . for something that has never actually appeared in our experience.” Longing is the proper response for exiles who are still far from home.
Harmon helps us read the narrative of scripture through the lens of exile, making sense of our condition and God’s big story. It is a story that addresses our deepest longings and the source where we find hope.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 5, 2020
Many centuries ago an African pastor and theologian wrote the story of his life as a prayer. He began his prayerful tale with these words, “You awake us to delight in your praise; for you made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you” (Augustine, “Confessions,” Book 1, Sec. 1). That restless longing is chronicled in a new 184-page paperback by Matthew S. Harmon, commentary writer, author, and professor of New Testament studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. “Rebels and Exiles: A Biblical Theology of Sin and Redemption,” one of the most recent installments in IVP Academic’s “The Essential Studies in Biblical Theology” edited by Benjamin L. Gladd, is an easy trek through the Scripture’s story, circling back round to the longing of our restless hearts.
The volume progresses along with the Scripture’s development, from protology (first things) to eschatology (final things). The format of the book is the good creation-fall-redemption-new creation movement. But through it all Harmon shows the place of exile, the longing restlessness, and how God is moving us toward home. He tackles the way the Tabernacle and Temple spoke to the restless longing for home by being a small garden of Eden. He also moves along the biblical arc through the early centuries of Israel, the prophets, the expulsions from the land, the unsatisfying returns to the land, the coming of Jesus and his mission, to the way the Apostles promoted our exilic place in the world now, and the new heavens and new earth. All the way through Harmon shows God’s promise: he will have his people, they will have a place, and his presence will be with them there.
The author describes what he means by exile, that it is not “limited to those who are physically away from their home. Even people who are living in their homeland can feel a sense of exile when their beliefs conflict with that of the dominant culture” (2). In other words, exile can rightly describe any sense of alienation, estrangement, or displacement whether physically, geographically or spiritually. And he does not leave us without hope of home. In fact, for Christians who find themselves often at odds with the dominant culture, and thus in exile, he gives much thoughtful encouragement, for our “common life together as people who have been redeemed out of our spiritual exile enables us to live as an outpost of God’s kingdom in this fallen world” (144). Our storied lives together are always pointing to home, so that other restless hearts may sense the direction, and join us in this God-engraced trek until the new heavens and new earth come. Where we will be his people, forever in the place he gives us, that is full of his presence.
Augustine was right about our restless hearts, and “Rebels and Exiles” speaks to that longing. This volume is an ideal college class book, especially for teachers who want to give their students the bigger picture of Scripture. It is perfect for new believers, and seasoned saints. It can make a very useful source document for Christian education adult classes in any congregation. I highly recommend the book.
I’m very thankful that IVP Academic sent me the copy of the book used for this review. They made no demands on me, other than that I should bring forth an honest analysis. Thus, I have done, and thus it is so.
The volume progresses along with the Scripture’s development, from protology (first things) to eschatology (final things). The format of the book is the good creation-fall-redemption-new creation movement. But through it all Harmon shows the place of exile, the longing restlessness, and how God is moving us toward home. He tackles the way the Tabernacle and Temple spoke to the restless longing for home by being a small garden of Eden. He also moves along the biblical arc through the early centuries of Israel, the prophets, the expulsions from the land, the unsatisfying returns to the land, the coming of Jesus and his mission, to the way the Apostles promoted our exilic place in the world now, and the new heavens and new earth. All the way through Harmon shows God’s promise: he will have his people, they will have a place, and his presence will be with them there.
The author describes what he means by exile, that it is not “limited to those who are physically away from their home. Even people who are living in their homeland can feel a sense of exile when their beliefs conflict with that of the dominant culture” (2). In other words, exile can rightly describe any sense of alienation, estrangement, or displacement whether physically, geographically or spiritually. And he does not leave us without hope of home. In fact, for Christians who find themselves often at odds with the dominant culture, and thus in exile, he gives much thoughtful encouragement, for our “common life together as people who have been redeemed out of our spiritual exile enables us to live as an outpost of God’s kingdom in this fallen world” (144). Our storied lives together are always pointing to home, so that other restless hearts may sense the direction, and join us in this God-engraced trek until the new heavens and new earth come. Where we will be his people, forever in the place he gives us, that is full of his presence.
Augustine was right about our restless hearts, and “Rebels and Exiles” speaks to that longing. This volume is an ideal college class book, especially for teachers who want to give their students the bigger picture of Scripture. It is perfect for new believers, and seasoned saints. It can make a very useful source document for Christian education adult classes in any congregation. I highly recommend the book.
I’m very thankful that IVP Academic sent me the copy of the book used for this review. They made no demands on me, other than that I should bring forth an honest analysis. Thus, I have done, and thus it is so.
November 25, 2020
While Christmas is a time to feel the happiness of home, some of us are still left yearning for more. Our souls are not satisfied with our current situation. As Christians, we live in an already-not-yet tension. We are waiting for a final reality where we can be with our Heavenly Father. In Rebels and Exiles, Matthew S. Harmon shows us a Biblical theology of sin and restoration.
Rebellion and Idolatry
Harmon takes 9 chapters and less than 150 pages to take us from humanity’s original rebellion and exile towards a future end of exile consummated in a new creation. It is fast-paced and fascinating.
After Adam and Eve, Abraham and Israel take center stage. But no matter the story, the message remains the same: Rebellion and idolatry result in exile – separation from the presence of God. The daunting reality of exile presents the challenges of remaining faithful to Yahweh and trusting in Yahweh to fulfill his promises.
Repentance and Restoration
Israel’s repentance and restoration call back to the promises of people, place, and presence. But it is also revealed that the new covenant brings different promises that they did not expect regarding temple, Torah, turf, and throne. Harmon makes his points memorable, giving ample Biblical texts to support.
What I appreciated the most about Harmon is how he fleshes out Israel’s period of exile. It gave me a better picture of what it meant for them to be sojourners, and how they must have felt when waiting for all of God’s promises to be fulfilled. It helped set the scene for Jesus, and Harmon excitedly shows how the end of exile is inaugurated through Jesus’ life and ministry. Jesus’ healings, exercising authority over the demonic realm, and his teaching ministry are highlighted. Of course, there is a culmination in his death, resurrection, and ascension.
The End of Our Exile
What I found most helpful was Harmon’s acknowledgment that we live life as exiles in a fallen world. But we are not without hope. We await a new heaven and a new earth, a new Jerusalem, and a new Eden. This book helped me understand who God is and his plan for this world, understand who I am as a sojourner, and understand how I should live as I wait for the end of sin, the end of our exile, and true restoration.
This Christmas season, I am thankful for Christ Jesus who has secured the end of our exile. He has made us a people, he has made us the place where he dwells in anticipation of our final home, and he has given us his presence to go with us in this world and for eternity. My hope rests in him. He is reliable, and I must get ready for his return.
I received a media copy of Rebels and Exiles and this is my honest review.
Rebellion and Idolatry
Harmon takes 9 chapters and less than 150 pages to take us from humanity’s original rebellion and exile towards a future end of exile consummated in a new creation. It is fast-paced and fascinating.
After Adam and Eve, Abraham and Israel take center stage. But no matter the story, the message remains the same: Rebellion and idolatry result in exile – separation from the presence of God. The daunting reality of exile presents the challenges of remaining faithful to Yahweh and trusting in Yahweh to fulfill his promises.
Repentance and Restoration
Israel’s repentance and restoration call back to the promises of people, place, and presence. But it is also revealed that the new covenant brings different promises that they did not expect regarding temple, Torah, turf, and throne. Harmon makes his points memorable, giving ample Biblical texts to support.
What I appreciated the most about Harmon is how he fleshes out Israel’s period of exile. It gave me a better picture of what it meant for them to be sojourners, and how they must have felt when waiting for all of God’s promises to be fulfilled. It helped set the scene for Jesus, and Harmon excitedly shows how the end of exile is inaugurated through Jesus’ life and ministry. Jesus’ healings, exercising authority over the demonic realm, and his teaching ministry are highlighted. Of course, there is a culmination in his death, resurrection, and ascension.
The End of Our Exile
What I found most helpful was Harmon’s acknowledgment that we live life as exiles in a fallen world. But we are not without hope. We await a new heaven and a new earth, a new Jerusalem, and a new Eden. This book helped me understand who God is and his plan for this world, understand who I am as a sojourner, and understand how I should live as I wait for the end of sin, the end of our exile, and true restoration.
This Christmas season, I am thankful for Christ Jesus who has secured the end of our exile. He has made us a people, he has made us the place where he dwells in anticipation of our final home, and he has given us his presence to go with us in this world and for eternity. My hope rests in him. He is reliable, and I must get ready for his return.
I received a media copy of Rebels and Exiles and this is my honest review.
October 11, 2021
★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Here's where I start to regret my resolution to write a post about every book in this category that I read this year to make up for the absence of them last year. I really don't have that much to say about it and am afraid I'm making it look dull. Hope I'm not...
WHAT'S REBELS AND EXILES ABOUT?
As with everything in this series, Harmon starts with Genesis and the Fall, and finding the pattern there for human disobedience and restoration that the rest of the Biblical narrative uses time after time (after time after time, sadly). Harmon traces the themes and examples of rebellion, exile, and restoration through The Old Testament and the New alike—with Christ inaugurating the final end of exile in his death and resurrection, which will be culminated in his return and the remaking of the world.
OT AND NT EXILES
Personally, I found the chapter on Israel and Judah's exile from Canaan after the rebellion and the chapter showing how the New Testament Epistles see the Christian life as one of exile—giving both hope and direction for that life—to be the most helpful. Particularly as Western culture becomes increasingly inhospitable to The Church and we're reminded that we've become too comfortable in this world where we are pilgrims and exiles, we need these instructions and examples.
But the chapters describing the Restoration of Israel to the Land—as well as the greater restoration promised to them—and the chapter describing Christ's Life and Ministry as ending exile were probably the most edifying.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT REBELS AND EXILES?
I think I may have read the three books in this series a bit too closely together—it felt a little redundant, the themes and approaches in the various books in this series are so similar. That's on me, not on Harmon, though.
This isn't to say that I didn't like the book or find it helpful. "Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction," it's good to focus on these themes and patterns and Harmon's little book is a good guide through them.
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Here's where I start to regret my resolution to write a post about every book in this category that I read this year to make up for the absence of them last year. I really don't have that much to say about it and am afraid I'm making it look dull. Hope I'm not...
WHAT'S REBELS AND EXILES ABOUT?
As with everything in this series, Harmon starts with Genesis and the Fall, and finding the pattern there for human disobedience and restoration that the rest of the Biblical narrative uses time after time (after time after time, sadly). Harmon traces the themes and examples of rebellion, exile, and restoration through The Old Testament and the New alike—with Christ inaugurating the final end of exile in his death and resurrection, which will be culminated in his return and the remaking of the world.
OT AND NT EXILES
Personally, I found the chapter on Israel and Judah's exile from Canaan after the rebellion and the chapter showing how the New Testament Epistles see the Christian life as one of exile—giving both hope and direction for that life—to be the most helpful. Particularly as Western culture becomes increasingly inhospitable to The Church and we're reminded that we've become too comfortable in this world where we are pilgrims and exiles, we need these instructions and examples.
But the chapters describing the Restoration of Israel to the Land—as well as the greater restoration promised to them—and the chapter describing Christ's Life and Ministry as ending exile were probably the most edifying.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT REBELS AND EXILES?
I think I may have read the three books in this series a bit too closely together—it felt a little redundant, the themes and approaches in the various books in this series are so similar. That's on me, not on Harmon, though.
This isn't to say that I didn't like the book or find it helpful. "Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction," it's good to focus on these themes and patterns and Harmon's little book is a good guide through them.
Read
June 21, 2023A brief biblical theology focusing on the theme of exile and restoration-- first from Eden, and then Israel. All sin corresponds to these two exilic events: Rebellion against divine authority (Genesis 2-3), and Idolatry (Exodus 32 and beyond). Harmon takes Wright's lead and contends that Jesus's death and resurrection inaugurates the end of exile, promised in the prophet texts of the Hebrew Bible, which culminates in the New Heaven-New Earth/New Jerusalem/New Eden depiction(s) in Revelations 21-22. This eschatological conclusion restores Israel from its continual diaspora, as well as humanity with God-- tainted since Adam's fall. Christian communities are sojourning outposts for God's kingdom, soon to be consummated.
A few problems with Harmon's text. First, his simplification of sin is, well, a circular simplification. Not only does he state that idolatry is a form of rebellion (why differentiate it?), but where is the line for rebellion? Does Jonah rebel? Does Samson? This leads to my second issue: so many of these run-of-the-mill evangelical biblical theologies flatten the obvious polyphonic voice of Scripture (which is evident in its inspirational source, the Trinitarian Godhead, as well as in its fragmented textual-compositional-redactional history), so that "problem texts" are either beaten into hermeneutical submission or ignored with excused for "space requirements." These authors always have a favorite text or two (usually Genesis, Romans, and Revelation) and they struggle to feign even a modicum of interest in the vast swaths of challenging, informative, and contradictory (to their theological argument) passages. Lastly, Harmon spends no time engaging with Old Testament scholarship, even within his own tradition. Authorities with Evangelical credentials like John Walton persuasively argue against Harmon's understanding of Eve's curses and the protoevangelium. Biblical theology does not need to concede its legs to historical-criticism (if Walton and Longman and Enns could even be considered practitioners of such a method), but (to extend the metaphor) as a table it should have strength and room to host a multitude of plates, even if some dishes are not enjoyed.
A few problems with Harmon's text. First, his simplification of sin is, well, a circular simplification. Not only does he state that idolatry is a form of rebellion (why differentiate it?), but where is the line for rebellion? Does Jonah rebel? Does Samson? This leads to my second issue: so many of these run-of-the-mill evangelical biblical theologies flatten the obvious polyphonic voice of Scripture (which is evident in its inspirational source, the Trinitarian Godhead, as well as in its fragmented textual-compositional-redactional history), so that "problem texts" are either beaten into hermeneutical submission or ignored with excused for "space requirements." These authors always have a favorite text or two (usually Genesis, Romans, and Revelation) and they struggle to feign even a modicum of interest in the vast swaths of challenging, informative, and contradictory (to their theological argument) passages. Lastly, Harmon spends no time engaging with Old Testament scholarship, even within his own tradition. Authorities with Evangelical credentials like John Walton persuasively argue against Harmon's understanding of Eve's curses and the protoevangelium. Biblical theology does not need to concede its legs to historical-criticism (if Walton and Longman and Enns could even be considered practitioners of such a method), but (to extend the metaphor) as a table it should have strength and room to host a multitude of plates, even if some dishes are not enjoyed.
June 8, 2023
Harmon's simple definition of exile ("living in a place that is not our home") is so good because it allows for all the ways the Bible talks about exile. It's not "just" about being outside "the land." Other definitions I've seen that focus on Israel's land don't take into account the more experiential pictures of exile in the Bible also. For instance, idolatry exiles the people even though they are not exiled physically from the land at times.
Still trying to think through the relationship between wilderness/exile as they are related but don't seem to be the same thing. This hasn't been worked out anywhere I've seen to my liking. . . . Great Biblical Theology of Exile. Highly recommend.
Still trying to think through the relationship between wilderness/exile as they are related but don't seem to be the same thing. This hasn't been worked out anywhere I've seen to my liking. . . . Great Biblical Theology of Exile. Highly recommend.
March 1, 2021
Matthew Harmon displays a great grasp of the biblical text. He helps readers see their need to understand that they are in exile! And it will be part of their life until Christ returns. Exile is a natural part of Life that God has used to bring his people closer to him.
August 15, 2024
A good tracing out of the theme of exile through the biblical narrative. Although much of what he says is unoriginal, Harmon nevertheless delivers the content in a lucid style that made this an easy read.
Read
November 15, 2024Good overview of how exile and restoration themes can be traced throughout scripture. Like a lot of books that trace themes, there are times when Harmon seems to stretch the connections, but this is still a helpful little volume of biblical theology.
March 25, 2024
This book is worth reading, but in my opinion, it leans too heavily upon the exile motif as applied to Christians.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews