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The Torah Story: An Apprenticeship on the Pentateuch
Working knowledge of the Torah is essential for every serious student of the Scriptures. Written in an engaging and accessible voice, even while digging into difficult and complicated matters at a sophisticated level, The Torah Story emphasizes the content of the text itself, moving beyond debating dates and theories of authorship into understanding how these five key books of the Bible help us understand the story of salvation. Providing flexible options for further study, each chapter includes the following: A refreshingly new approach to the Torah—neither an introduction nor a commentary— The Torah Story provides a model of how to read Scripture intertextually. It leaves no doubt as to the overarching unity of the message and composition of the Pentateuch.
592 pages, Hardcover
First published November 26, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 21, 2020
In the world of biblical introductions and survey texts, there are some very clear but unwritten rules about the genre. You typically begin with a history of modern interpretation focusing especially on the key critical theories that have influenced modern understanding of the book, then you progress to a discussion of the organization of the book (perhaps including a discussion of the genre-types), concluding finally with an outline of key themes or motifs. Granted, within these confines, scholars arrive at all sorts of differing conclusions about such matters, but the format really does not alter all that much.
Schnittjer, then, is the “exception” which proves the rule. What he has provided here is truly unique in the world of introductions to the Pentateuch. To be fair, this work would better be described as a survey of the Pentateuch because, by and large, Schnittjer eschews long discussions of critical compositional theory in favor of a literary-theological reading of the text. He makes special use of what he labels the “extended echo effect” (similar to Robert Alter’s concept of a “type scene”) to show unique ways in which stories link to one another, both “echoing” and “foreshadowing” other key narratives. Schnittjer is very careful to distinguish his method from a “typological” reading which flattens the richness of allusion into a simplistic “pointing ahead.” He shows (with great effect, I might add) how these texts simultaneously point in multiple directions and, more importantly, he is able to derive meaning from those allusions. One feature of the book that I really grew to appreciate is that he concluded every chapter with a section entitled “Another Look.” Here, especially, Schnittjer takes the reader outside the Pentateuch—into the Prophets and Writings and even the New Testament (this is an unapologetically Christian reading of the Torah)—to show how these texts are foundational for all of Scripture.
The book succeeds remarkably well. The reader does not leave the text feeling cheated by the lack of a detailed “history of interpretation” because Schnittjer has provided so many other unique insights into the text. I was particularly impressed with his handling of Numbers which many scholars know is probably the most difficult book of the Pentateuch, if not the entire Old Testament. His insight about how the Exodus generation essentially “disappears” from the text after the rebellion at Kadesh is brilliant in its overlooked simplicity and helps set up the very important contrast between the two generations.
The book overall is admirably even, both in the quality and quantity of its content. I can think of few areas where I felt that Schnittjer gave the text “short shrift” (perhaps in his coverage of the Levitical purity laws); when dealing with a text as broad as the Pentateuch, that is no mean feat.
There were several features of the book that I found particularly helpful. First is the generous use of charts, graphs, and tables. Perhaps I appreciated it more because I am a visual learner, but Schnittjer uses them to great effect. Given his focus on “linking” disparate stories and patterns together, such work really becomes crucial to the key points he is making (for example, his argument about the macrostructure of Exodus).
Second, Schnittjer always began with an “overview” chapter on each of the books before entering into more detailed explorations of the various chapters. These were perhaps his best work because he was diligent about revealing the “metanarrative” that ties these books to each other as a “serial narrative” (Schnittjer’s term).
Thirdly, Schnittjer provides helpful review questions, research paper ideas, additional resources, and contemporary applications at the end of every chapter. I must confess that, though I have used this as a textbook in my Pentateuch class, I have not taken full advantage of these resources. However, they are well-done and very helpful.
The book is written from a decidedly Reformed perspective (something made more obvious at the end of the book than at its beginning), which did at points, I admit, rankle my Arminian-Pentecostal self, but the points of agreement still far outweighed the points of disagreement.
The greatest beauty of Schnittjer’s work is the respect that he accords to the written text. It is easy to tell that he is writing about something he deeply loves and with a passion to transmit that love to his readers. Though it is certainly not a perfect work, Schnittjer has set himself apart in a field where there is a tragic dearth of originality. For that alone he is to be highly commended.
Schnittjer, then, is the “exception” which proves the rule. What he has provided here is truly unique in the world of introductions to the Pentateuch. To be fair, this work would better be described as a survey of the Pentateuch because, by and large, Schnittjer eschews long discussions of critical compositional theory in favor of a literary-theological reading of the text. He makes special use of what he labels the “extended echo effect” (similar to Robert Alter’s concept of a “type scene”) to show unique ways in which stories link to one another, both “echoing” and “foreshadowing” other key narratives. Schnittjer is very careful to distinguish his method from a “typological” reading which flattens the richness of allusion into a simplistic “pointing ahead.” He shows (with great effect, I might add) how these texts simultaneously point in multiple directions and, more importantly, he is able to derive meaning from those allusions. One feature of the book that I really grew to appreciate is that he concluded every chapter with a section entitled “Another Look.” Here, especially, Schnittjer takes the reader outside the Pentateuch—into the Prophets and Writings and even the New Testament (this is an unapologetically Christian reading of the Torah)—to show how these texts are foundational for all of Scripture.
The book succeeds remarkably well. The reader does not leave the text feeling cheated by the lack of a detailed “history of interpretation” because Schnittjer has provided so many other unique insights into the text. I was particularly impressed with his handling of Numbers which many scholars know is probably the most difficult book of the Pentateuch, if not the entire Old Testament. His insight about how the Exodus generation essentially “disappears” from the text after the rebellion at Kadesh is brilliant in its overlooked simplicity and helps set up the very important contrast between the two generations.
The book overall is admirably even, both in the quality and quantity of its content. I can think of few areas where I felt that Schnittjer gave the text “short shrift” (perhaps in his coverage of the Levitical purity laws); when dealing with a text as broad as the Pentateuch, that is no mean feat.
There were several features of the book that I found particularly helpful. First is the generous use of charts, graphs, and tables. Perhaps I appreciated it more because I am a visual learner, but Schnittjer uses them to great effect. Given his focus on “linking” disparate stories and patterns together, such work really becomes crucial to the key points he is making (for example, his argument about the macrostructure of Exodus).
Second, Schnittjer always began with an “overview” chapter on each of the books before entering into more detailed explorations of the various chapters. These were perhaps his best work because he was diligent about revealing the “metanarrative” that ties these books to each other as a “serial narrative” (Schnittjer’s term).
Thirdly, Schnittjer provides helpful review questions, research paper ideas, additional resources, and contemporary applications at the end of every chapter. I must confess that, though I have used this as a textbook in my Pentateuch class, I have not taken full advantage of these resources. However, they are well-done and very helpful.
The book is written from a decidedly Reformed perspective (something made more obvious at the end of the book than at its beginning), which did at points, I admit, rankle my Arminian-Pentecostal self, but the points of agreement still far outweighed the points of disagreement.
The greatest beauty of Schnittjer’s work is the respect that he accords to the written text. It is easy to tell that he is writing about something he deeply loves and with a passion to transmit that love to his readers. Though it is certainly not a perfect work, Schnittjer has set himself apart in a field where there is a tragic dearth of originality. For that alone he is to be highly commended.
October 14, 2025
It was cool
August 4, 2015
I didn't expect to be so impacted and challenged spiritually by a textbook, but this was hands-down the best book I read all school year. My perspective toward the first 5 books of the Bible has grown more broad and more affectionate than I knew it could. If the Old Testament is harder for you to learn from, I highly recommend this textbook. You won't have my incredible professor to help you, of course, but there are so many contextual, theological, and cultural elements shared in the book that will make you more informed the next time you read Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Your understanding will grow, as will your love for the God you see in your study.
[Disclaimer: I didn't read the last few chapters because we did not cover them in my class.]
[Disclaimer: I didn't read the last few chapters because we did not cover them in my class.]
June 3, 2024
I read this for class, but found this to be such a beneficial book to not only understanding the Torah, but a helpful approach on how to study the Bible in general. And especially--and this is a big deal with theology books--I enjoyed reading Schnittjer! Despite being what could be rather dry and boring topics, I found his writing style smooth and not cumbersome. If you really want to understand the first five books of the Bible and especially if you get stuck there in your Bible reading plans (which I think is all of us!), The Torah Story is such a great tool to assist with understanding the text, framing the larger story, and helping it all to fit together. And the "handbook" format of the book makes it even more accessible.
February 13, 2020
I have never enjoyed a textbook more! I was privileged to not only read the book but to have the author as my professor and I can attest the he knows his stuff and has done a ton of research on this subject. I would recommend this book to anyone and really every Christian. Honestly the Bible was getting boring before I read this now I notice so much more that it is exciting again. It has been six or seven years since I first read it and I think it's safe to say that it changed my outlook on the Bible for good!
February 13, 2023
Homophobic.
I was enjoying the book until I encountered several mentions of homosexuality as a sin. It is first mentioned at the bottom of pg 104; this book undermines everything that Jesus died for. It's terrible and hypocritical. The author doesn't understand God's message of love.
Sincerely, a Christian who doesn't spite people over their sexuality.
I was enjoying the book until I encountered several mentions of homosexuality as a sin. It is first mentioned at the bottom of pg 104; this book undermines everything that Jesus died for. It's terrible and hypocritical. The author doesn't understand God's message of love.
Sincerely, a Christian who doesn't spite people over their sexuality.
October 30, 2023
This book was required reading for my BIBL 282 class at Regent University. Learning that not only do these books help interpret each other, but they help interpret the rest of the Old Testament and even the New Testament.
December 10, 2024
I enjoyed The Torah Story as a in depth study of the Torah. I could nitpick little things (such as randomly disagreeing with the translation of 1 Timothy 1 in the last chapter). But overall, I found this book helpful and insightful.
August 20, 2012
This is the book that got me interested in studying the Bible. I have read and re-read this book. I now use it as my first reference for any Pentateuch study (Sunday school, preaching, papers, etc.)
January 30, 2016
Great book. Read it twice
November 1, 2017
This is a fantastic academic resource on the pentateuch. great insight. well broken up. regular language. charts pictures graphs. doing it really helpful.
May 6, 2009
very helpful format to begin to master the actual narrative of the first five books of the bible
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews