Wilderness Theophanies in Exodus

Through an examination of four pivotal theophanic passages from Exodus (3:1-4:17, 19:1-20:21, 24:9-18, and 33:18-34), this book delves into the paradox of biblical wilderness—a space marked by chaos and death, and simultaneously a place for Yahweh to appear. With a robust biblical framework, author Narelle Coetzee offers a working definition of wilderness and analyzes the geographical elements that shape these theophanic moments. She reveals how Yahweh’s wilderness appearances underscore themes of intimacy, holiness, creativity, riskiness, and transformative communication. Each wilderness encounter reveals a God who is both wonder-filled and wild.
The book invites readers to reconsider the relationship between geography and spirituality, offering theological insights into why Yahweh reveals himself in unexpected places.