This volume is essentially a precis of Brueggemann's magisterial "Theology of the Old Testament," and, in many ways, an introduction to the latest phase of his writing programme. The strength here is how Brueggemann uses his focus on the way the OT foregrounds the relational aspects of YHWH's existence (with Israel, individual persons, the nations, and creation) to produce an outline of theology proper that contains within it the outlines of an OT theology of human existence, sin, salvation, mission, and even eschatology.

One of the most unique things about Brueggemann's writing is that though it is still evident how the guiding principles of his early work (e.g., "The Prophetic Imagination") remain in full play, he always manages to make those key insights fresh and intriguing. Brueggemann's work shows me the power of RE-reading Scripture, again and again, allowing it to both establish and overturn our most closely-held assumptions. I must confess that, at points, Brueggemann's oft-quotable prose became a bit overblown; however, for the most part, Brueggemann remains his lucid, poetic self.

For those who want an introduction to the massive Brueggemann oeuvre, this is perhaps one of the better entry points on offer. Brueggemann is a scholar of exceptional insight and rare rhetorical power, who can impress even when he is articulating a position with which the reader vehemently disagrees. ( )