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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: * Tips and tools for getting started * Questions that focus on key issues Key terms to look for * Outlines and summaries of the material * An interactive workshop designed for students, individuals, or study groups * Challenge questions drawn from the chapter and biblical text * Advanced questions for those who want deeper exploration of biblical contexts, language, and exegetical or theological issues * Research project suggestions * Discussion activities using films to engage the biblical narrative (selected chapters) 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.
About the author
Gary Edward Schnittjer (PhD, Dallas Theological Seminary) is distinguished professor of Old Testament in the School of Divinity at Cairn University. He is the author of the award-winning book Old Testament Use of Old Testament, Torah Story, now in its second edition, and Old Testament Narrative Books: The Israel Story.
Summary
The gospel story begins in Torah. What culminates at Golgotha starts with the rebellion in the garden. The Torah's story can be framed as a question: How will the word of God overcome the human revolution?
Torah Story offers a student-friendly introduction to the redemptive narrative housed in the first five books of the Bible. Every main chapter introduces a section of Torah with attention to its basic structure.
This is followed by another look at how this portion of Torah connects to the rest of the Christian Bible.
The dynamic design includes opportunities in every chapter to make the most of Torah study including:
- Helps for getting started (focus questions, key terms, outline)
- An interactive workshop with challenge questions and advanced questions
- Suggestions for research projects
- Next steps for further study
A refreshingly new approach to the Torah--neither an introduction nor a commentary--
Torah Story provides an apprenticeship on the Old Testament's first five books. But it also provides a model of how to read Scripture intertextually with an eye to the New Testament gospels. It leaves no doubt as to the overarching unity of the message and composition of the Pentateuch. The second edition is streamlined and simplified throughout, with updated examples and new sidebars and imagery.
