The death of deaths in the death of Israel

About this book

This book explores Deuteronomy's understanding of exile. While Deuteronomy speaks of a potential historical experience in the nation's future, "exile" is also a dynamic theological concept. In short exile represents the death of Israel. In losing her land, Israel apparently loses her identity, history, and covenant relationship with Yahweh. Restoration from exile, then, is a resurrection from death to life. A major catalyst for this book is a network of debates among Evangelicals in New Testament theology, including covenant nomism and the New Perspective on Paul. For some Jesus' preaching of the kingdom and the forgiveness of sins is tied up with the nation's expectations of the return from exile, which is fulfilled in his death and resurrection. Proponents of this position (e.g., N.T. Wright) often turn to Deuteronomy for support. Additionally, in exploring the theme of restoration in Deuteronomy, the author argues persuasively for a view of the Torah that highlights grace, grace in salvation as well as grace in Israel's ultimate fulfillment of the call of God.