Deuteronomy (2002): A Commentary (The Old Testament Library)

This commentary on Deuteronomy, now available in a new casebound edition, meets and exceeds the high standards of the Old Testament Library series. It provides one of the most sophisticated explanations of the compositional process that produced Deuteronomy, presenting that process as a combination of large-scale redactional activity and "micro- redaction." The commentary is also attentive to the historical background of Deuteronomy's origins in the reigns of Manasseh and Josiah. The fresh translation that heads each section is followed by insightful linguistic comments that highlight Deuteronomy's famous homiletical and didactic style. The literary and rhetorical features of the final form of Deuteronomy are everywhere present, and Nelson makes a compelling presentation of their incessant claim on the reader, a claim that effectively urges the reader toward an appropriate response. What emerges most clearly from these elements of Nelson's commentary is a critical but sympathetic portrait of Deuteronomy's distinctive theology: its idealistic call for reform, its demand for the centralization of sacrifice, its demand for the eradication of rival religions, its stress on Yahweh's election of Israel and Israel's covenant duty, and its confrontation of every serious reader with a moment of existential decision. Introduction Through Edom and Moab 2:1-25 Def eating the Two Kings of the Amorites 2:26-3:7 Reaching Beth-peor: Allotment and-Appeal 3:8-29 Exhortation to Obedience 4:1-40 4:41-49 5:1-33 6:1-25 7:1-26 8:1-20 Complacency, Rebellion, Intercession, and Pardon 14:22-29 15:1-23 Constitutional PEoposals 18:1-22 Fairness in the Practice of Justice 19:1-21 20:1-20 In the Land Yahweh Is Going to Give You 21:1-23 Property Laws and Family Laws 22:1-29 Ritual and Social Boundaries Marriage and Community Welfare 24:1-22 Personal and Social Integrity 25:1-19 26:1-19 A Ceremony of Commitment at Shechem 27:1-26 28:1-68 The Covenant Made in Moab I Set Before You Life and Death 30:1-20 Final Words from Moses and Yahweh 31:1-30 32:1-52 33:1-29 34:1-12 This volume, a part of the Old Testament Library series, explores the book of Deuteronomy.The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.