Read my full review at SpoiledMilks (2/11/22)
Daniel Block has marinated himself in Deuteronomy for over twenty years, and it shows in his quality writings on Deuteronomy. Some of these chapters were either presented at various conferences and then extended for the book, others have appeared as articles or chapters in other books. Yet they fit well together here.
The Law—A Curse or Sign of God’s Grace?
In this volume, Block gives 18 chapters of literary and theological studies on important themes in Deuteronomy. He covers a wide range of topics from the genre of Deuteronomy, reading Scripture, the “riddle” of Deuteronomy 27, the gift of the Sabbath, the vision for families, prayer, divine violence, Proverbs, and more.
Covenants
Regarding covenants (Ch 4), Block believes that the “the categories of conditional and unconditional covenants are best abandoned” because “God’s covenants are all irrevocable and the effectiveness of all depends upon the fidelity of the human covenant partner (the divine Suzerain is always faithful to his covenant commitments)”(62–63). Block sees three types of covenants:
1. the cosmic covenant (Gen 9),
2. the Israelite covenant (Abrahamic, Israelite, New [Renewed]),
3. and administrative (royal) covenants (Noachian, Davidic).
Seeing as though God made and declared the world to be “very good” (Gen 1:31), in Block’s view Adam and Eve didn’t need a covenant before the fall (although Gen 6:18 may refer to an earlier covenant with Adam and Eve).
In one of his figures, the evolution of the Israelite covenant is that the covenant was made with Abraham, established with Israel at Sinai, renewed with Israel in Deuteronomy, and realized in Christ (as prophesied in Jeremiah 31). Block goes through the covenants, ties them together, and shows how they are fulfilled in Christ.
Deuteronomic Law, Patriarchs, and Levites
In chapter 5, we see that Deuteronomy views the law as a divine gift. It was—like their rescue from Egypt—a gracious divine act. Nations envied Israel because they possessed the Torah, the wisdom of God, “because it symbolizes the deity’s nearness and because of its uniquely righteous character (4:5–8)” (p. 96).
Chapter 6 shows numerous connections between Deuteronomy and the patriarchal narratives, links between words, phrases, actions, concepts, and shared theological motifs. Block shows thirteen ways in which actions Abraham took are exemplified in Deuteronomy.
In chapter 9, Block explores the socio-religious functions of Levitical town and the implications of the role of Levitical priests within ancient Israelite society. With the Levitical towns being spread throughout the land, they promoted the religious well-being of the country.
In chapter 18, Block looks at Paul as a second and seconding Moses in Galatians. Block, having lived with Moses for three decades, wonders what Moses would think of the “old” and “new” perspectives, particularly how they say Paul viewed the law. According to Block, proponents of the “old” perspective tend to interpret the OT according to the NT, especially in regards to the law. Yet while the OT seems to speak of the law as a gracious gift, Paul, with some exceptions, doesn’t seem to agree. Yet Block believes that Moses would have affirmed much of what Paul wrote in Galatians.
Looking at Deuteronomy 14:1–21, Moses gives his own summary of what was required for table fellowship in the presence of Yahweh:
1. being adopted as God’s sons and daughters;
2. being sanctified by God;
3. being engaged with God in covenant relationship;
4. being chosen by God from all the peoples on earth;
5. and being treasured by YHWH as his crown jewel (401–402).
Fellowship with YHWH is a gift, one that he offers to the whole world through Jesus Christ. The new covenant community is made up of people from all the nations “invited to fellowship and to celebrate in the presence of God. And this characterizes Paul’s vision for the churches of Galatia” (402).
Recommended?
Block has offered a magnificent book on Deuteronomy. It is an academic work, and a necessary one at that. Block pushes against critical scholars and their speculative readings, while also being humble enough to acknowledge his own idiosyncrasies. Block is able to connect the dots in Deuteronomy, the Pentateuch, and throughout the Old Testament. If you’re going to read someone on Deuteronomy, pick up Block’s works. He will provide a thick reading, a gracious reading, and one that should cause you to marvel over our gracious God in Deuteronomy.
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