502 - God at Work in Israel

God at Work in Israel
By Gerhard von Rad
Nashville, Abingdon, 1980. 223 pp. $6.95 (paper).

This volume purports to be a translation of Gottes Wirken in Israel, edited and published posthumously by O. H. Steck. Unfortunately, six items from the original German have been omitted. Even though some of the essays are partially reflected in von Rad's Problems of the Hexateuch …, all should have been included. Indeed the volume contains little of the author's work not published elsewhere. What is unique and valuable here is bow he approached the problem of lecturing to the general public (in person and by radio) for nearly thirty years. The English version will be received enthusiastically, but readers must consult the original German for the stimulating essays omitted in this edition.

The subjects are typical of von Rad's interests and best work: Joseph, Jonah, Job, creation, God's word in history, the witness of the prophets, and wisdom (the latter a radio lecture of Feb., 1970). The sure and expert touch of the scholar is here, and irradiated by the author's excellent style and theological vision. More than once he has spoken of God's "conversation" with Israel, and this book is almost a conversation with von Rad as well as with biblical themes. He always challenges his readers to go back to the text and to verify, as it were, what he finds there.

The treatment of Job is an illustration: "this man, cast upon the rubbish heap, who, as we have said, had no inkling of the antecedents in heaven that led to his suffering or of the consequences that indeed depended on his words-this man is the best witness for God, just because he took a stand for God's sake and gave God his due" (p. 75). In the dialogue Job "invokes God the friend against God the enemy who is destroying him" (p. 79). The flood of questions (chaps. 39ff.) "which drives Job into a corner is not, however, oppressive. Indeed, does not God woo Job in order to let him participate in his joy as creator? Let the world be filled with riddles; these riddles repose in God's heart! Is not that the teaching of God's long address: man can never comprehend God's world rule, but be can treat it with reverence" (p. 80).

There have been few interpreters of the Old Testament as skilled and as insightful as Gerhard von Rad, who died in 1971. This volume serves as an excellent introduction to his thought for those who have never read his works.

Roland E. Murphy
Duke Divinity School
Durham, North Carolin