Handbook on the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy [Hardcover]

Victor P. Hamilton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005

In this substantially revised second edition, Hamilton moves chapter by chapter--rather than verse by verse--through the Pentateuch, examining its content, structure, and theology. Each chapter deals with a major thematic unit of the Pentateuch. He also provides useful commentary on overarching themes and connections between Old Testament texts. For further research, each chapter is appended with a bibliography of recent, relevant scholarship. (64)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Victor P. Hamilton (PhD, Brandeis University) was professor of Bible and theology at Asbury University for more than thirty years. He is the author of a two-volume commentary on Genesis and the Handbook on the Historical Books.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Baker Academic; 2 edition (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801027160
• ISBN-13: 978-0801027161
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #286,091 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, imformative, and erudite..., November 22, 2002

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djdjdjdjdjdj9 "djdjdjdjdjdj9" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Handbook on the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy (Hardcover)

Hamilton's synopsis of the Penteteuch is great for the biblical scholar at heart. Laypersons will also enjoy this book, as it flows quite well and keeps the reader intrigued. Hamilton's analysis of the hexameron (the work of the six creative periods) is especially fascinating, as he pulls parallels from mythological cosmogony to demonstrate that the biblical account of the hexameron is unique in many respects, but that the underlying motif is not new to other cultures outside of the Bible. Also, this book doesn't carry an ostentatious Evangelical flavor to it; it is very objective and can be enjoyed by those from all faiths.

The only real complaint I would have about the book is its format. Hamilton's approach is thematic. This reader prefers verse-by-verse commentary, so the commentary suffers a little bit, in that Hamilton skipped over some of the nuances in the penteteuch which contribute to its overall account. However, I recommend the book for all those interested in a deeper look at the first 5 books of the Bible.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to the Pentateuch, July 1, 2007

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Hugh St. Victor "Traveler" (Midsouth USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook on the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy (Hardcover)

Victor Hamilton's Handbook on the Pentateuch is a very good introduction to the Pentateuch for both undergraduates and beginning seminarians who are taking an exegesis course in Old Testament. For anyone interested in Old Testament studies it is a must. The publishing life of this text has been remarkable since it first appeared in 1982. Unlike the previous reviewer, who essentially wants a commentary on the Pentateuch, the beauty of this text is that it is not that. It is a handbook introduction - a biblical theology of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Dr. Hamilton is not writing for the academy, although academicians will find it useful. He is writing for the student and motivated layperson. Besides, Hamilton has already authored the two volume commentary on Genesis that appears in the New International Commentary on The Old Testament (NICOT) series published by Eerdmans. There, the reader will find concise exegesis in a verse-by-verse format. Handbook on The Pentateuch reflects what Dr. Hamilton has done best over the years - teach students Old Testament. Readers will find this to be an engaging text that reflects critical scholarship as well as a pastor's heart.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great start, August 1, 2007

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Oldster hanging in there - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Handbook on the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy (Hardcover)

Handbook on the Pentateuch,: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
This makes sense - the big picture and all of its details fit. This was my feeling as I worked my way through Hamilton's book. In fact, the discovery was not only a big relief, after scanning a number of books of its type and feeling overwhelmed and lost in issues I did not understand and never knew existed, excitement fill my heart and mind. Just enough and but not too much for this novice adventurer into the Old Testament.