by Suzanne Boorer
SBL Press, 2016
eISBN: 978-0-88414-063-4 | Cloth: 978-0-88414-064-1 | Paper: 978-0-88414-062-7
Library of Congress Classification BS1181.6.B66 2016
Dewey Decimal Classification 222.1066

ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | TOC
ABOUT THIS BOOK

A fresh look at the Priestly narrative that places less weight on linguistic criteria alone in favor of narrative coherence



Boorer explores the theology of an originally independent Priestly narrative (Pg), extending through Genesis–Numbers, as a whole. In this book she describes the structure of the Priestly narrative, in particular its coherent sequential and parallel patterns. Boorer argues that at every point in the narrative’s sequential and parallel structure, it reshapes past traditions, synthesizing these with contemporary and unique elements into future visions, in a way that is akin to the timelessness of liturgical texts. The book sheds new light on what this material might have sought to accomplish as a whole, and how it might have functioned for, its original audience.



  • Solid arguments based on genre and themes, with regard to a once separate Priestly narrative (Pg) that concludes in Numbers 27*

  • Thorough discussion of the overall interpretation of the Priestly narrative (Pg), by bringing together consideration of its structure and genre

  • Clear illustration of how understanding the genre of the material and its hermeneutics of time is vital for interpreting Pg as a whole


See other books on: Old Testament | P document (Biblical criticism) | Pentateuch | Sacred Writings | Vision
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