Deuteronomy (Old Testament Library | OTL)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Richard D. Nelson provides readers with an exceptional commentary on Deuteronomy in this edition of the Old Testament Library series. His emphasis on critical interaction provides interpreters with many avenues for proper exegesis.
Top Highlights
“The linguistic character of Deuteronomy is distinctive. The style is prolix and marked by stereotyped words and phrases.2 Sentences tend to be long and complex. The mood is homiletical and didactic, with exhortations addressed directly to the audience in second-person language. Incessant repetition aims for rhetorical effect and ease of retention. The language seeks to arouse emotions and stimulate memory of the tradition in order to motivate acceptance and action, appealing to a sense of propriety, to Yahweh’s character, to Israel’s election and redemption, and to the impending consequences of promise and threat.” (Page 2)
“Two factors anchor the origins of Deuteronomy in the first three-quarters of the seventh century” (Page 6)
“Admittedly, however, Deuteronomy itself makes no explicit connection between its demand for centralized sacrifice and the concept of Yahweh’s unity or singularity, so famously set forth in 6:4.” (Page 147)
“The presence of these non-Deuteronomic interests suggests that DH used a source at this point and that the cultic reform of Josiah actually did take place.” (Page 7)
“Deuteronomy’s rhetoric is enhanced by ideas and language from the Assyrian loyalty oath (notably the Vassal Treaties of Esarhaddon, 672 b.c.e.).” (Page 6)