The Triumph of Grace: Literary and Theological Studies in Deuteronomy and Deuteronomic Themes

The Apostle Pauls negative statements about the law have deafened the ears of many to the grace that Moses proclaims in Deuteronomy. Most Christians have a dim view of this book which they consider to be primarily a book of laws. However when we read or hear it read orally without prejudice we discover that rather than casting Moses as a legislator he appears as Israels first pastor whose congregation has gathered before him to hear him preach his final sermons. Accordingly Deuteronomy represents prophetic preaching at its finest as Moses seeks to inspire the people of God to a life of faith and godliness in response to Gods repeated demonstrations of grace. Deuteronomy is a dead book for many because we have not recognized this gospel; we have heard only law. The essays in this collection arise from a larger project driven by a passion to recover for Christians the life-giving message of the Hebrew Scriptures in general and to open their ears to Gods amazing grace in Deuteronomy in particular. The wide-ranging meditations in this volume do not all focus equally on the topic of Gods grace but this theme undergirds them all. FOR BACK COVER (Delete from Metadata): Daniel Block in The Triumph of Grace demonstrates why he is considered one of the premier Old Testament theologians of this generation. Lucid thoughtful engaging and persuasive Block brilliantly illuminates for his readers the theme of Gods amazing grace in the Book of Deuteronomy. --David S. Dockery President Trinity International University What a precious resource this is! There are few who have immersed themselves in the gospel according to Moses like Dan Block and fewer still who have matched his scholarship (which is careful and creative in equal measure) warmhearted generosity and overwhelming desire to live and communicate the gospel in Deuteronomy with integrity and rigor. --J. Gary Millar Principal Queensland Theological College Brisbane Australia Block shows masterful sensitivity to all levels of the text and to intertextual relationships. He solves interpretive problems and overturns misconceptions while uncovering details of meaning and literary artistry that converge to carry themes of soaring theological significance. --Roy E. Gane Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Andrews University The most profound and comprehensive collection of Daniel Blocks articles to date [reflecting] exemplary scholarship marked by sound methodological inquiry passionate engagement with the text and a refreshing tone of humility. -- Rebekah L. Josberger Associate Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Multnomah Biblical Seminary Although these studies will not convince everyone Block has covered immense ground providing us with much food for thought. I for one hope Block continues conversing with Moses for years to come. --Brent A. Strawn Professor of Old Testament Emory University FOR FRONT MATTER: Daniel Block in The Triumph of Grace demonstrates why he is considered one of the premier Old Testament theologians of this generation. Lucid thoughtful engaging and persuasive Block brilliantly illuminates for his readers the theme of Gods amazing grace in the Book of Deuteronomy. Scholars pastors and laypeople alike will be blessed and helped as they work through this significant volume. It is a joyful privilege to recommend this outstanding work. --David S. Dockery President Trinity International University By his own testimony Dan Block has been marinating in Deuteronomy for over twenty years. This volume completes a trilogy of his essays on this important book. Like the previous books the present one is--not unlike Deuteronomy itself!--a collection of things old and new including seven previously unpublished studies that cover Deuteronomy and: education the books genre/