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Yet I Loved Jacob: Reclaiming the Biblical Concept of Election

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Kaminsky (Smith College) here considers the fundamental biblical topic of Israel's election. Though one of the most misunderstood, and often unfairly criticized, theological doctrines found in the Bible, the theme cannot be avoided if one is to read the Bible seriously. In this well-reasoned, reliable introduction to the topic, Kaminsky does an excellent job of explaining the origin of the concept in the book of Genesis, its centrality in the Exodus narrative, and its relationship to law and holiness as these are described in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. In an interesting turn, Kaminsky also examines the biblical conception of those who are either what he labels "anti-elect," such as the Canaanites, or "non-elect," who fall theologically between Israel and the "anti-elect." This, as it turns out, is the great majority of humankind. To complete his review, Kaminsky also considers the meaning of election in the Psalms and biblical Wisdom literature. Finally, he ponders the New Testament use of the notion of election and its polemic against the Jewish understanding, including the understanding of the Talmudic sages. In all, this is a first-rate study. Summing Up: Recommended. All libraries serving religion departments and theology schools; lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers. -- S. T. Katz, Boston University.