Idolatry in the Pentateuch: An Innertextual Strategy

Synopsis: Idolatry in the Pentateuch addresses both the manner in which the Pentateuch was produced and how theological intentions can be discerned from the texts that constitute it. McKenzie attempts to read the final shape of the Pentateuch while not ignoring the diachronic complexities within its pages. Using a compositional approach to the Pentateuch he establishes his methodology analyzes several idolatry-related texts and traces the theological intentions through an inner-textual strategy. Moreover McKenzie briefly considers the history of interpretation through the last few centuries and discusses the state of Old Testament studies as he understands it. Endorsements: This volume offers a fresh contribution to the study of the relationship between Exodus 32:7-20 and Deuteronomy 9:12-21. McKenzie sets his work within the modern history of interpretation and proceeds to apply a compositional approach to the problem at hand. Anyone interested in Pentateuch research will want to take McKenzies analysis into account. -Michael B. Shepherd Louisiana College Author Biography: Tracy J. McKenzie is Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest North Carolina.