The Torah's Vision of Worship

Overtures to Biblical Theology

by Samuel H. Balentine

A complement to the author's earlier Overtures to Biblical Theology study on prayer, this volume addresses the topic of worship as articulated in the first five books of the Bible. Rather than a history of Israelite religion, Balentine's volume examines the "vision" of worship expounded in the Torah in relation to priesthood, creation, liturgy, and covenant. He concludes by discussing the contemporary situation of experiencing God's hiddenness and a world caught in despair. Balentine proposes that a fresh look at the Torah offers possibilities of counter-imagination and hope.

Genres: Old Testament, Theology

280 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 1999

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for everyone, but I was well-rewarded because I love the Pentateuch and biblical theology. I was ready for this academic book but I can't say it would have appealed to me even three years ago. I skipped the first chapter (because I assumed I didn't need to revisit history of interpretation issues in a book written in 1999) and enjoyed the rest, although the last chapter is a bit weird because he spends inordinate time on kabbalah as an example to make his point. It is nonetheless worth reading to the end.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I *loved* this book.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Balentine has a great way of refocusing our view on the Old Testament. Really important for anyone who is even possibly considering religious studies or anyone with interest in the Old Testament. Balentine has a great way of putting the OT into its historical background within the Persian empire. He also has a great way of making the Pentateuch more pertinent for the modern reader.