Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy. The Old Testament Library. By Richard D. Nelson (Westminster John Knox, $44.95). D., formerly of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and now at Perkins, began his scholarly work with an important dissertation on the Deuteronomistic History and has now followed that with significant commentaries in OTL on Joshua and Deuteronomy, and on the books of Kings in Interpretation, all three from the same Deuteronomistic school of thought. He traces the origins of Deuteronomy to the first three-quarters of the seventh century because of its acquaintance with the ideas and language of the Assyrian loyalty oath and its connections with the reform of Josiah. Collaborators in its production were aristocratic families, elements of the priesthood, and those schooled in wisdom. Chapters 1-4, 27, and 29-34 are judged to be secondary, as are parts of the other chapters. But N. thinks it is impossible to identify successive layers on redactions in much of the book. Basic themes of Deuteronomy include the centralization of sacrifice, eradication of anything that would compromise a monotheistic understanding of Yahweh, election, humanitarianism, and a legal guide for life in the land. Deuteronomy urges the reader to choose obedience and receive the benefits and blessings that will result. N.'s translation and interpretation are clear, fresh, and to the point. This volume now ranks first, in my judgment, among available full length commentaries on Deuteronomy. RWK 

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