Compassionate, But Punishing God

Synopsis: Lane provides a canonical analysis of the credo of Exodus 34:6-7 and its major parallels in the Hebrew Bible. He argues that the credo was an important theological expression for the ancient Israelites and that the final form of the Tanak is marked by the use of the credo. These uses in the final form of the canon give evidence of the theological tension over the presence of the foreigners in the postexilic community. And this tension is marked by the use of the credo in texts that emphasize YHWH's covenantal relationship with ancient Israel (Torah), movement toward the nations (Prophets), and YHWH as king over the whole earth (Psalms). Endorsements: "Nathan Lane offers a rich example of the depth and complexity of inter-textual reading of the biblical text. His study exhibits careful methodology in his probe of the most elemental claims for God's fidelity. In addition to strong and compelling exegesis of particular texts, this study is of interest in a world hungry for fidelity and overwhelmed by multi-dimensioned faithlessness. Lane summons the reader beyond any simplistic reading to a depth that matches the ways of God in the world." -Walter Brueggemann Columbia Theological Seminary "The Compassionate, but Punishing God joins a growing number of exegetical studies that take account of the shape of the Hebrew canon. The study examines the implications of the famous confession of faith in Exodus 34:6-7 in the context of that canon. This volume will richly repay readers both in the shaping of questions of methodology and in the shaping of Old Testament theology." -W. H. Bellinger Jr. Baylor University Author Biography: Nathan C. Lane is Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida.