Deuteronomy: An Introduction And Commentary

by Gordon McConville

Overview

In this outstanding commentary, Gordon McConville offers a theological interpretation of the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy in the context of the biblical canon.

He gives due attention to historical issues where these bear on what can be known about the settings in which the text emerged. His dominant method is one that approaches Deuteronomy as a finished work.

Dr McConville argues that in the context of the ancient world, Deuteronomy should be understood as the radical blueprint for the life of a people, at the same time both spiritual and political, and profoundly different from every other social, political and religious programme.

The book incorporates the tension between an open-ended vision of a perfectly ordered society under God, and practical provisions for dealing with the frailty and imperfections of real people. Hence, it is capable of informing our thinking about the organisation of societies while maintaining a vision of the kingdom of God.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780851117799
Publisher:	IVP
Publication date:	09/16/2011
Series:	Apollos Old Testament Commentary , #5
Pages:	544
Product dimensions:	6.61(w) x 9.06(h) x (d)

About the Author

Senior Lecturer in Old Testament, University of Gloucester - Established IVP author

Table of Contents

Editors' preface 9
Author's preface 10
Abbreviations 11
Introduction 17
1. The name of the book 17
2. Its place in the canon 17
3. The distinctive features of Deuteronomy 18
4. The critical interpretation of Deuteronomy 21
4.1. Deuteronomy and Josiah's reform 21
4.2. The reform as a royal programme 24
4.3. The development of Old Testament religion 26
4.4. Deuteronomy as a literary tradition 28
4.5. Conclusion 30
5. A fresh approach to Deuteronomy 33
5.1. Setting and ideology 33
5.2. The thesis above may be retold as a 'story' 36
6. The composition of Deuteronomy 38
7. The reading of Deuteronomy 40
7.1. Deuteronomy and its audiences 41
7.2. Deuteronomy and theology 42
7.3. Deuteronomy in biblical theology 45
8. The form and aims of this commentary 51
Text and commentary 53
Bibliography 480
Index of Scripture references 511
Index of authors 535
Index of subjects 539

What People are Saying About This

H. G. M. Williamson

"What every preacher and student needs is a commentary that makes positive use of the results of scholarly research while at the same time integrating them sympathetically into a contemporary Christian theological worldview. Many series have set out to achieve this, but few have succeeded. Now at last the Apollos series looks set to do so: the names of the editors and potential contributors, together with the evidence of these early volumes, all inspire confidence."

Craig Bartholomew

"Evangelical Old Testament study has made huge strides in the second half of the twentieth century. Tyndale House in the U.K. and IVP internationally were central to that renaissance. And now at the start of the twenty-first century the Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series will build on that foundation as it showcases some of the best contemporary Old Testament interpretation. This series rightly insists on rigorous scholarship but always in the service of the theology and message of the books of the Old Testament. Some outstanding scholars are signed up for this series, and I look forward very much to having these commentaries on my shelves as they appear."

Daniel Block

"At last! A commentary series that combines the best of biblical scholarship with a passion for the message of the text. Besides, it actually answers the questions I ask when I read the Scriptures. This series by the finest evangelical scholars is designed for students and pastors who are serious about understanding the Old Testament in its context and translating its message for the church in the twenty-first century."

Editorial Reviews

"There has been plenty of interest in the book of Daniel on the part of commentators over the past generation or two. The one that I have found of the most all-round benefit is Ernest Lucas in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series. Lucas succeeds in drawing out the message of the book while also paying judicious attention to complex issues of history, eschatology, and composition."

Tim Meadowcroft

"Students, scholars, and ministers will derive much profit from this commentary."

James Chukwuma Okoye

"What every preacher and student needs is a commentary that makes positive use of the results of scholarly research while at the same time integrating them sympathetically into a contemporary Christian theological worldview. Many series have set out to achieve this, but few have succeeded. Now at last the Apollos series looks set to do so: the names of the editors and potential contributors, together with the evidence of these early volumes, all inspire confidence."

H. G. M. Williamson

"At last! A commentary series that combines the best of biblical scholarship with a passion for the message of the text. Besides, it actually answers the questions I ask when I read the Scriptures. This series by the finest evangelical scholars is designed for students and pastors who are serious about understanding the Old Testament in its context and translating its message for the church in the twenty-first century."

Daniel Block

"Evangelical Old Testament study has made huge strides in the second half of the twentieth century. Tyndale House in the U.K. and IVP internationally were central to that renaissance. And now at the start of the twenty-first century the Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series will build on that foundation as it showcases some of the best contemporary Old Testament interpretation. This series rightly insists on rigorous scholarship but always in the service of the theology and message of the books of the Old Testament. Some outstanding scholars are signed up for this series, and I look forward very much to having these commentaries on my shelves as they appear."

Craig Bartholomew