This book successfully mines the rich theology of Passover through fresh exegesis, reading the text according to ancient Hebrew literary conventions. Numbers 3:13 indicates that, during Passover, Yahweh consecrated the firstborn. But how did he do this? Through a close reading of the final form of the text and sensitivity to ancient Hebrew style, author Andrew J. Gehrig notes the connections between Passover and other rituals in Exodus. He suggests that Passover is a ritual that not only rescues the firstborn from death through sacrifice, but also purifies and sanctifies them. The firstborn are moved from the realm of death to life and, after being imbued with holiness, made fit to enjoy Yahweh’s presence. Continuing with his literary approach, the author explores how Passover contributes to the overall narrative of Exodus. He concludes with reflections on the importance of Passover in biblical theological interpretation, including how Exodus establishes a paradigm of salvation that is fulfilled in Christ.
Through his literary and theological approach, the author leads the reader to a far deeper understanding of this famous passage, grounded in faithful biblical exegesis. Scholars, pastors, and educated laypeople will enjoy this groundbreaking study.
""Dr Gehrig’s monograph fills a major hiatus, offering an insightful interpretation of Exodus 12-13. Highlighting how Passover functions as a sanctification ritual, his conclusions are exceptionally important for readers of the New Testament who see no soteriological significance in the original Passover event.""
—T. Desmond Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies, Union Theological College, Belfast
By:
Andrew J. Gehrig
Series edited by:
Hemchand Gossai
Imprint: Peter Lang Publishing Inc
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: New edition
Volume: 185
Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
Weight: 419g
ISBN: 9781636671383
ISBN 10: 1636671381
Series: Studies in Biblical Literature
Pages: 214
Publication Date: 23 September 2024
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
Further / Higher Education
,
Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Contents Series Editor’s Preface * Acknowledgements * Abbreviations * Chapter 1: Introduction * Chapter 2: History of Interpretation of Passover * Summary and Analysis * Conclusion * Chapter 3: Poetics * Conclusion * Chapter 4: Poetical Character and Structure of 12:1-13:16 * Poetical Character of 12:1-13:16 * Structure of 12:1-13:16 * 12:1-28: Speeches by Yahweh and Moses * 12:29-42: Narration of the Death of the Firstborn and the Exodus * 12:43-13:16: Three Commemorative Rites * Chapter 5: Topical Analysis of 12:1-13:16 * The First Passover * The Annual Passover * The Feast of Unleavened Bread * Consecration of the Firstborn * Narration of Action * The Poetic Effect of 12:1-13:16 * Conclusion * Chapter 6: Passover as a Consecration Ritual * The Book of Numbers and the Levites * Similarities and Pattern in Exodus 12, 19-24, and 29 * Exodus 29: The Consecration of the Priests * Exodus 19-24: The Covenant Ratification Ceremony and the Consecration of the Elders * Exodus 12: Passover and the Consecration of the Firstborn * Conclusion * Chapter 7: The Contribution of 12:1-13:16 to the Narrative of Exodus * First Contribution: Climax * Second Contribution: Turning Point * Third Contribution: Prolepsis * Conclusion * Chapter 8: Conclusion * Contributions and Challenges to Current Scholarship * Importance of Passover in Biblical Theological Interpretation * Passover and a Paradigm of Salvation * Passover’s New Testament and Theological Importance * Exodus and a Paradigm of Salvation * Conclusion * Works Cited * General Index * Scripture Index * Index of Select Hebrew Words and Phrases *
Andrew J. Gehrig (PhD Queens University Belfast; MDiv, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) has served as a missionary to an unreached people group in Asia since 2006. He has also taught Old Testament at underground seminaries in high security areas and for Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary. He teaches the Bible in four different languages.
