The Passover

This book successfully mines the rich theology of Passover through fresh exegesis that reads the text according to ancient Hebrew literary conventions. The results indicate that the original author viewed Passover as having far more theological depth than is typically acknowledged today.
      Numbers 3:13 indicates that during Passover Yahweh consecrated the firstborn. Yet, how did he do this? Through a close reading of the final form of the text and sensitivity to ancient Hebrew style, the author perceptively notes the connections between Passover and other rituals in Exodus. He suggests that Passover is a ritual that not only rescues the firstborn from death through sacrifice, but also purifies and sanctifies them. The firstborn are moved from the realm of death to life and after being imbued with holiness, made fit to enjoy Yahweh’s presence. Continuing with his literary approach, the author insightfully explores how Passover contributes to the overall narrative of Exodus. He concludes with reflections on the importance of Passover in biblical theological interpretation, including how Exodus establishes a paradigm of salvation that is fulfilled in Christ.
      Through his literary and theological approach, the author leads the reader to a far deeper understanding of this famous passage, grounded in faithful biblical exegesis. Scholars, pastors, and educated laypeople will enjoy this groundbreaking study.
‘Centred on Passover, God’s deliverance of the Israelites from captivity in Egypt is the great salvation event of the Old Testament. Yet, the theological dimension of Passover has received little attention. Dr Gehrig’s monograph fills this major hiatus, offering an insightful interpretation of Exodus 12-13. Highlighting how Passover functions as a sanctification ritual, his conclusions are exceptionally important for readers of the New Testament who see no soteriological significance in the original Passover event’.
T. Desmond Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies Union Theological College, Belfast
‘A number of factors make this a deeply satisfying study: It is comprehensive in its responsible engagement with a wide variety of views on the text and its background; it is critical in its judicious assessments of such a variety of views; and it is highly competent in its application of poetics　to a well-disciplined "literary and theological approach" to reading its target text. Further, its writing style is incredibly clear—perhaps the crowning achievement! Besides its noteworthy contribution to the study of the Passover text in Exodus, it promises to open up fresh avenues of insight in the study of the Hebrew Bible more widely (and to the New Testament as well). I hope this work gains a wide readership’.
C. John Collins, Professor of Old Testament Covenant Theological Seminary
‘Here is a book that is long overdue. Paying close attention to narrative features that have previously been misinterpreted or ignored, Gehrig demonstrates how important these are for a holistic interpretation of one of Scripture’s most seminal texts, as well as its theological significance within the book of Exodus and beyond. Those wanting a comprehensive and eminently engaging discussion of the Passover narrative in Exodus need look no further’.
Paul Williamson, Lecturer in Old Testament Moore College, Sydney