Waiting for the Rest That Still Remains: A Biblical Theology of the Former Prophets

Waiting for the Rest That Still Remains. A Biblical Theology of the Former Prophets focuses on Israels squandering of Gods gift of rest from the enemy all around by worshiping at the altars of other gods and its ultimate consequences: a second exile this time from the landed presence of the Lord. Where land is the Pentateuchs promised future the Former Prophets proffer a future tied to the Lords dynastic covenant with David and Solomons dedicatory prayer. Pleas that God hear in heaven the prayers his people direct toward the temple in Jerusalem express hope for the good life in the land but the culmination of Solomons prayer pleads that upon repentance their captors be compassionate to them in the land of their captivity; there is no plea for return to the land from exile. Outside of Gods promise to David Joshua-Kings do not identify an earthly place like Noahs ark or the land filled with Gods presence to which they might return. Israel awaits the fulfillment of Gods promise to David.