The Theology of the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah
The Theology of the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah
Looking for an examination copy?
If you are interested in the title for your course we can consider offering an examination copy. To register your interest please contact [email protected] providing details of the course you are teaching.
In the opening verses of the Book of Ezra-Nehemiah, King Cyrus exhorts the exiled Judeans to return to Jerusalem to restore worship in Jerusalem. It then narrates this restoration through the construction of the temple, the repair of the city walls, and the commitment to the written Torah. In this volume, Roger Nam offers a new and compelling argument regarding the theology of Ezra-Nehemiah: that the Judeans' return migration, which extended over several generations, had a totalizing effect on the people. Repatriation was not a single event, but rather a multi-generational process that oscillated between assimilation and preservation of culture. Consequently, Ezra-Nehemiah presents a unique theological perspective. Nam explores the book's prominent theological themes, including trauma, power, identity, community, worship, divine presence, justice, hope, and others – all of which take on a nuanced expression in diaspora. He also shows how and why Ezra-Nehemiah naturally found a rich reception among emerging early Christian and Jewish interpretive communities.
- Highlights Ezra-Nehemiah as migration literature and thus presents the repatriation as having a totalizing impact on the return Judeans
- Presents the God of Ezra-Nehemiah as distant and absent
- Follows the reception of Ezra-Nehemiah in later Christian and Judaic diasporic settings
Reviews & endorsements
‘Nam offers a fresh perspective on the theological themes embedded in Ezra-Nehemiah that sheds light on the complexities of the postexilic era. The book skillfully weaves together historical context, theological insights, and a critical analysis of contemporary scholarly approaches, creating a thought-provoking narrative that will resonate with academics and those new to the study of Ezra-Nehemiah.' Deirdre Fulton, Baylor University
‘Roger Nam's Ezra-Nehemiah commentary is a rare self-aware and inclusive application of historical critical methods. Nam thoughtfully integrates excellent historical, linguistic, theological, economic, and postcolonial analyses. He also contextualizes Ezra-Nehemiah within biblical literature, diverse textual witnesses, and broad reception history, facilitating deep and well-informed study of this challenging text.' Lisa Cleath, Princeton Theological Seminary
Product details
November 2024Hardback
9781108423625
276 pages
221 × 149 × 21 mm
0.47kg
Available
Table of Contents
- General editors preface
- Preface
- List of abbreviations
- 1. Critical access to the theology of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah
- 2. The theology of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah
- 3. Ezra-Nehemiah and the Old Testament
- 4. Ezra-Nehemiah and later Interpreters
- Further reading
- Author index
- Scripture index
- Subject index.
