How I Love Your Torah, O Lord!: Studies in the Book of Deuteronomy

by Daniel I. Block

Like the book of Romans in the New Testament, the book of Deuteronomy provides the most systematic and sustained presentation of theology in the Old Testament. And like the Gospel of John, it represents mature theological reflection on God's great acts of salvation, in this case associated with the exodus of Israel from Egypt. Unfortunately, for many Christians, Deuteronomy is a dead book, either because its contents are unknown or because its message is misunderstood. The essays in this collection arise from a larger project driven by a passion to recover for Christians the life-giving message of the Old Testament in general and the gospel according to Moses in particular. The "meditations" cover a wide range of topics, from explorations into the meaning of specific texts to considerations of the ethical and homiletical relevance of the book for Christians today.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies

270 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Daniel I. Block (DPhil, University of Liverpool) is Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. He is the author of several books and numerous essays and has written commentaries on Deuteronomy, Judges-Ruth, and Ezekiel. He has also been involved in the production of the New Living Translation of the Bible and lectures and preaches around the world.

Reviews

[Spencer R · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read my full review here: spoiledmilks wordpress com

Here, Block puts together a collection of of articles that "represent deep literary and theological meditations that have been personally incredibly inspiring and transformative" (xv). The issues found in HILYTOL are more specific that those found in another one of Block's books, The Gospel According to Moses, which are general essays on hermeneutical, theological, and ethical issues found in Deuteronomy.

If the psalter(s) of Ps 1 and 119 are the spokesman of the torah, then Block is their great-great-great-great-great grandson who's holding the family job close to heart. Block is refreshing, for even when his essays grow dense, the reader knows Block loves the Torah, or as we would call it, Deuteronomy. It was the favourite book of both Jesus and Paul. "It represents the heart of biblical revelation" (xiv).

Block presents Moses as a pastor. My favourite chapter was chapter 5, the Joy of Worship. Deuteronomy 12.1-14 is not well-known as being the "Fun" chapter of the Bible. In fact, if I had my druthers, well, I wouldn't read it at all. But Block blows the dust of this chapter and shows what true worship means. It's obeying the God "who had personally established himself as 'the God of your ancestors' (12:1). This is the God who had graciously evened his will to his people (4:1-8)… graciously invited Israel to covenant relationship with himself (4.9-31)…. graciously redeemed Israel from bondage of Egypt (vv. 32-40)…He is the one and only God - there is no other (4:35, 39)" (p 103).

And the subjects of true worship, those who can gather regularly for worship in God's presence are "a chosen people in a chosen land gathered at the chosen place for worship of the one who had graciously chosen them" (p 104). Block then dives into show us the place, the motivation, and the characteristics of true worship. We must remember that the place is never as important as the Object of our worship.

This is a very academic work. While Hebrew is not required, it is an immense help in reading this book. To look at Block's case and be able to find and read it in the Bible makes learning the truths of this book so much quicker and easier. This book is not a light read. But what you put into it, you will get out of it. Block isn't simply Jo Schmo down-da-skreet who one day decided to write a book. He's a wonderful, humble scholar of loves God's Torah and loves God's word.

Yes, this book is definitely recommended.

[Hogan Hurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Law is grace

[Pam Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a selection of essays on various subjects from the book of Deuteronomy, most of which were previously published in theological journals. It's not for the faint of heart - untransliterated Hebrew is sprinkled throughout the book. Nevertheless I found the book rewarding and thought-provoking.