Deuteronomic History

by Terence E. Fretheim

"We would be naive to think that we can hear these narratives with the same clarity that the first hearers did. An equal naivete, however, would be to suggest that we have no access to their situation, or that it is irrelevant to know how the texts originally functioned. One way to proceed is to juxtapose narratives with issues faced by the people of God in the context to which the narratives were addressed. To lay contextual issues alongside narrative should enable illumination of the text, and give breadth and depth to the results of one's interpretation. This approach has the advantage of avoiding an abstract concern about what the author might have 'intended.' Rather, in the juxtaposition of context and text, we are concerned about what issues faced by the audience might have been addressed."

"Although the Word of God is always addressed to a particular situation, the insights gained through hearing it will assist in the hearing of a Word in the contemporary situation." (excerpts from the Introduction, by Terence E. Fretheim)

Genres: Christianity

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 1983

Reviews

[Josh Trice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fretheim offers a very engaging, insightful and helpful walk through the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. His approach is very theological and almost pastoral at times, seeing the texts as containing contemporary significance in both Jewish and Christian traditions. The book is not terribly long (160 pages), nor dense. Fretheim’s key points are grounded in deep biblical respect yet remain accessible to even the least academic reader.

Having used this book as a guide in Scriptures class, I found it to be one of the most helpful, and favorite, books of the semester!

I would recommend this to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of scripture.