David L. Baker
Autore di Two Testaments, One Bible: The Theological Relationship Between the Old and New Testaments
Sull'Autore
David L. Baker is a lecturer in biblical studies at All Nations Christian College. Until 2014 he was senior lecturer in Old Testament at Trinity Theological College in Perth, Australia. Previously, he was deputy warden of Tyndale House, Cambridge, and taught in Indonesia. He is the author of Two mostra altro Testaments, One Bible and Tight Fists or Open Hands? Wealth and Poverty in Old Testament Lain. mostra meno
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This book examines the theological problem of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. The author concentrates on major aspects of the theological issue. Baker divides his volume into four parts.
In the first part, Baker describes the theological problem, he proceeds, in the second, to the study of four major solutions to the problem. The third part is concerned with four major themes in the relationship between the Testaments, and the final part is a conclusion that summarizes the outcomes of his book and the author’s thesis.… (altro)
In the first part, Baker describes the theological problem, he proceeds, in the second, to the study of four major solutions to the problem. The third part is concerned with four major themes in the relationship between the Testaments, and the final part is a conclusion that summarizes the outcomes of his book and the author’s thesis.… (altro)
What do you think of The Ten Commandments? Nope, I am not talking about Charlton Heston in Technicolor, but the words God spoke to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Decalogue has been revered for the way it has provided a basis for law in Western culture, but more recently it has been a point of controversy. People have wondered if the Ten Commandments—a religious words— on a courthouse wall are a violation of the separation of church and state. Sadly, many of us don't think of the Ten Commandments much at all, or when we do we feel good about the two or three commandments we've managed not to break. In The Decalogue: Living as the People of God, David L Baker helps see the way these ten commandments are God's "Ten Word" guide for how now we ought to live.
Baker is a lecturer in biblical studies at All Nations Christian College and former senior lecturer in Old Testament at Trinity Theological College in Perth, and the deputy warden of Tyndale House, Cambridge. He has also taught in Indonesia and is theauthor of several books and articles. His research interests include the Decalogue, Deuteronomy and wealth and poverty in the Old Testament.
The Decalogue itself provides the basic outline for this book. However an introductory section discusses the Shape, Form, Origin and Purpose of the Ten Commandments. This is followed by sections on the two tables. First a section on Loving God (commandments 1-5, all the Godward commands and the commandment about Honoring Parents), then a section on Loving Neighbor (commandments 6-10). A final section entitled The Decalogue Today serves as the conclusion and discusses the ongoing relevance of the ten commandments.
Baker's introduction and concluding essays are developed from articles he has previously published. In his introduction he discusses the arrangement and numbering of the commandments in Judeo-Christian history, and the organization of the command into two tables. He describes the canonical forms (Exodus 20 and Deut. 5) and cultural parallels. He discusses the origins of the commandments as Divine speech—ten words direct from God, unlike the book of the Covenant, the Holiness Code or the Deutrenomic Law (29). Finally Baker delineates the purpose of these commands as setting ground rules of how the covenant people ought now to live (having been liberated from slavery in Egypt).
Baker begins his discussion of each of the commandments with a look at similar commands throughout the Ancient Near East, noting continuity and discontinuity with the surrounding cultures (i.e. He references the Hammurabi and other ancient legal codes, documents and literature from Canaanite, Ugaritic, Akkadian, Egyptian, Persian, Babylonian and other Mesopotamian cultures). For the most part there are ancient parallels, but there is no parallel in the ancient world for the concept of Sabbath rest. This is unique to the covenant community of Israel (though, Baker does note a special significance of seven in Ugartic and Canaanite literature)(72-73). Next, he examines each command with the frame of the ten commandments and the cannon, and draws out reflections as to their meaning for us. Baker's focus on the historical and canonical context enriches our understanding of the significance of these commands for the covenant community of Israel.
The concluding essay describes the ongoing significance of the Ten Commandments for providing an ethical frame and basis of life for the people of God—for the Jews first but also for Christians:
Baker's approach is commendable, it is both historically and canonically sensitive. My reading of the Decalogue was enriched by the way Baker presented them alongside other Ancient Near East literature, showcasing the idiom by which God spoke to and connected to Israel in its historical context. I could tell you this is the best book I've read on the ten commandments, but that doesn't tell you much (I've only read a couple). More significantly, I will use this book if I am ever called upon to teach or preach the Decalogue. This book is a model of good biblical exegesis, sensitive to the thought world of the original audience and connected to life today.
I give this book an enthusiastic five stars and recommend it for preacher, bible teachers, students, and conscientious Bible readers who want to understand the Old Testament better (and its significance for us).
- ★★★★★
Notice of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book from IVP Academic in exchange for my honest review.… (altro)
Baker is a lecturer in biblical studies at All Nations Christian College and former senior lecturer in Old Testament at Trinity Theological College in Perth, and the deputy warden of Tyndale House, Cambridge. He has also taught in Indonesia and is theauthor of several books and articles. His research interests include the Decalogue, Deuteronomy and wealth and poverty in the Old Testament.
The Decalogue itself provides the basic outline for this book. However an introductory section discusses the Shape, Form, Origin and Purpose of the Ten Commandments. This is followed by sections on the two tables. First a section on Loving God (commandments 1-5, all the Godward commands and the commandment about Honoring Parents), then a section on Loving Neighbor (commandments 6-10). A final section entitled The Decalogue Today serves as the conclusion and discusses the ongoing relevance of the ten commandments.
Baker's introduction and concluding essays are developed from articles he has previously published. In his introduction he discusses the arrangement and numbering of the commandments in Judeo-Christian history, and the organization of the command into two tables. He describes the canonical forms (Exodus 20 and Deut. 5) and cultural parallels. He discusses the origins of the commandments as Divine speech—ten words direct from God, unlike the book of the Covenant, the Holiness Code or the Deutrenomic Law (29). Finally Baker delineates the purpose of these commands as setting ground rules of how the covenant people ought now to live (having been liberated from slavery in Egypt).
Baker begins his discussion of each of the commandments with a look at similar commands throughout the Ancient Near East, noting continuity and discontinuity with the surrounding cultures (i.e. He references the Hammurabi and other ancient legal codes, documents and literature from Canaanite, Ugaritic, Akkadian, Egyptian, Persian, Babylonian and other Mesopotamian cultures). For the most part there are ancient parallels, but there is no parallel in the ancient world for the concept of Sabbath rest. This is unique to the covenant community of Israel (though, Baker does note a special significance of seven in Ugartic and Canaanite literature)(72-73). Next, he examines each command with the frame of the ten commandments and the cannon, and draws out reflections as to their meaning for us. Baker's focus on the historical and canonical context enriches our understanding of the significance of these commands for the covenant community of Israel.
The concluding essay describes the ongoing significance of the Ten Commandments for providing an ethical frame and basis of life for the people of God—for the Jews first but also for Christians:
The Decalogue is the constitution of the People of God, written in stone by the supreme Lawgiver. In Old and New Testament times it provided the basis for life in the covenant community and has continued to do so for many Jews ever since. Christians too, grafted into the people of God by faith (Romans 11:11-24). recognize the Decalogue as God's gift to them. Indeed for all who have ears to here, whatever their creed, this unique and fascinating set of laws still has a great deal to say about relationships with God and other people. It contains essential principles for living as the people of God that are as relevant in the twenty-first century as when they were first given (158-159).
Baker's approach is commendable, it is both historically and canonically sensitive. My reading of the Decalogue was enriched by the way Baker presented them alongside other Ancient Near East literature, showcasing the idiom by which God spoke to and connected to Israel in its historical context. I could tell you this is the best book I've read on the ten commandments, but that doesn't tell you much (I've only read a couple). More significantly, I will use this book if I am ever called upon to teach or preach the Decalogue. This book is a model of good biblical exegesis, sensitive to the thought world of the original audience and connected to life today.
I give this book an enthusiastic five stars and recommend it for preacher, bible teachers, students, and conscientious Bible readers who want to understand the Old Testament better (and its significance for us).
- ★★★★★
Notice of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book from IVP Academic in exchange for my honest review.… (altro)
Summary: After an exploration of the shape, form, origin, and purpose of these ten "words", the author takes each in turn, exploring the command in its cultural context, it's biblical and theological meaning, and contemporary relevance.
The Ten Commandments. The Decalogue. The Ten Words. In recent times, they have been a point of controversy, with public displays of the commandments being contested--some arguing that they are foundational to western law, others that their public display is an unconstitutional government promotion of religion. At the same time, increasingly few people can accurately recite them, even those brought up in Christian settings. And for some, they represent "the law" --human effort to save oneself that has been superceded by the grace which alone saves us through faith in Christ.
David L. Baker cuts through both controversy and ignorance in this new work on the Decalogue. He begins with four chapters on introductory matters around the Ten Commandments:
Their shape: different ways of numbering them, the two "tables" of the law, and the commandments as part of the covenant of God with his people.
Their form: the two canonical versions, other versions, their arrangement on two tables, and cultural parallels.
Their origin: Baker explores the scholarly discussion and skepticism about Mosaic authorship, that he counters with the more startling assertion, that perhaps here more than most places in scripture, we are confronted with words spoken by God directly, not only to Moses, but to the Israelites, gathered at Sinai.
Their purpose: while some have proposed these as Hebrew catechism, the core of criminal law, or essential ethical teaching, Baker contends that these are Israel's constitution, given not to attain salvation but rather as the framework of how those chosen to be the people of God might live under his gracious rule.
After dealing with these matters concerning the Decalogue as a whole, Baker turns to the individual commands. First of all he considers the ancient Near Eastern cultural context and parallels to the biblical commands. Strikingly, none exists for the sabbath command which is unique, while for the others, parallel instances may be found. Then, for each command, he discusses the biblical theological meaning of the command in its original context. Finally, he concludes with reflections on the contemporary relevance of these commands, and here, he draws on expansions found in the Hebrew scriptures as well as the New Testament, and he considers contemporary situations that may be covered by these commands. Here, for example, is some of what he says about the command to "not testify against your neighbor as a false witness":
"The Old Testament affirms the importance of truth in public life, with particular condemnation of religious leaders who use their positions to propagate lies (Jer 6:13-14; 8:10-11; 23:21-32; Ezek 13) and pander to their audiences with smooth talk (cf. Is 30:9-11). Mendacity brings iniquity (Is 5:18) and causes confusion by pretending to be virtue (Is 5:20).
Another kind of untruth that is pervasive today is the use of moral euphemisms designed to make what is wrong appear right or at least unobjectionable. Instead of committing adultery, people have an affair. Instead of having an abortion, they terminate a pregnancy. Instead of killing innocent citizens, there is collateral damage. Instead of unemployment, there is downsizing. Instead of lying, there are 'terminological inexactitudes' (Winston Churchill, 1906).
What about us? Are we habitually truthful. When we speak and write, it is often easier to say what we think people want to hear--or what we want them to hear--than what is actually true. Sometimes it is tempting to keep quiet and not say anything at all rather than speaking up when we ought to. The Bible encourages us to go beyond the rejection of false testimony, to become people who speak the truth from our hearts" (p. 141).
Baker concludes by asserting that these Ten Words are still a type of constitution for the people of God. He observes that the writers of the New Testament and Jesus himself extend our understanding of them from mere external observance to an obedience that captures our minds and hearts and works itself out in grace-filled love of God and neighbor. We don't strive after observing the Ten Commandments to be saved but draw upon them for how we might live as the saved people of God.
David L. Baker presents all of us to us in a work that reflects his scholarly Old Testament work and yet with clarity for any adult audience. For those who want to go further, the book includes a forty page bibliography, both on general matters pertaining to the Decalogue, and works pertaining to each of the commands. This makes a great resource for anyone planning to teach or preach on this material, and for all of us as we seek to allow these "words" to search and guide our lives.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.… (altro)
The Ten Commandments. The Decalogue. The Ten Words. In recent times, they have been a point of controversy, with public displays of the commandments being contested--some arguing that they are foundational to western law, others that their public display is an unconstitutional government promotion of religion. At the same time, increasingly few people can accurately recite them, even those brought up in Christian settings. And for some, they represent "the law" --human effort to save oneself that has been superceded by the grace which alone saves us through faith in Christ.
David L. Baker cuts through both controversy and ignorance in this new work on the Decalogue. He begins with four chapters on introductory matters around the Ten Commandments:
Their shape: different ways of numbering them, the two "tables" of the law, and the commandments as part of the covenant of God with his people.
Their form: the two canonical versions, other versions, their arrangement on two tables, and cultural parallels.
Their origin: Baker explores the scholarly discussion and skepticism about Mosaic authorship, that he counters with the more startling assertion, that perhaps here more than most places in scripture, we are confronted with words spoken by God directly, not only to Moses, but to the Israelites, gathered at Sinai.
Their purpose: while some have proposed these as Hebrew catechism, the core of criminal law, or essential ethical teaching, Baker contends that these are Israel's constitution, given not to attain salvation but rather as the framework of how those chosen to be the people of God might live under his gracious rule.
After dealing with these matters concerning the Decalogue as a whole, Baker turns to the individual commands. First of all he considers the ancient Near Eastern cultural context and parallels to the biblical commands. Strikingly, none exists for the sabbath command which is unique, while for the others, parallel instances may be found. Then, for each command, he discusses the biblical theological meaning of the command in its original context. Finally, he concludes with reflections on the contemporary relevance of these commands, and here, he draws on expansions found in the Hebrew scriptures as well as the New Testament, and he considers contemporary situations that may be covered by these commands. Here, for example, is some of what he says about the command to "not testify against your neighbor as a false witness":
"The Old Testament affirms the importance of truth in public life, with particular condemnation of religious leaders who use their positions to propagate lies (Jer 6:13-14; 8:10-11; 23:21-32; Ezek 13) and pander to their audiences with smooth talk (cf. Is 30:9-11). Mendacity brings iniquity (Is 5:18) and causes confusion by pretending to be virtue (Is 5:20).
Another kind of untruth that is pervasive today is the use of moral euphemisms designed to make what is wrong appear right or at least unobjectionable. Instead of committing adultery, people have an affair. Instead of having an abortion, they terminate a pregnancy. Instead of killing innocent citizens, there is collateral damage. Instead of unemployment, there is downsizing. Instead of lying, there are 'terminological inexactitudes' (Winston Churchill, 1906).
What about us? Are we habitually truthful. When we speak and write, it is often easier to say what we think people want to hear--or what we want them to hear--than what is actually true. Sometimes it is tempting to keep quiet and not say anything at all rather than speaking up when we ought to. The Bible encourages us to go beyond the rejection of false testimony, to become people who speak the truth from our hearts" (p. 141).
Baker concludes by asserting that these Ten Words are still a type of constitution for the people of God. He observes that the writers of the New Testament and Jesus himself extend our understanding of them from mere external observance to an obedience that captures our minds and hearts and works itself out in grace-filled love of God and neighbor. We don't strive after observing the Ten Commandments to be saved but draw upon them for how we might live as the saved people of God.
David L. Baker presents all of us to us in a work that reflects his scholarly Old Testament work and yet with clarity for any adult audience. For those who want to go further, the book includes a forty page bibliography, both on general matters pertaining to the Decalogue, and works pertaining to each of the commands. This makes a great resource for anyone planning to teach or preach on this material, and for all of us as we seek to allow these "words" to search and guide our lives.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.… (altro)
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Statistiche
- Opere
- 9
- Utenti
- 288
- Popolarità
- #81,142
- Voto
- 3.3
- Recensioni
- 5
- ISBN
- 16
- Lingue
- 1
In the first part, Baker describes the theological problem, he proceeds, in the second, to the study of four major solutions to the problem. The third part is concerned with four major themes in the relationship between the Testaments, and the final part is a conclusion that summarizes the outcomes of his book and the author’s thesis.… (altro)