Gary Edward Schnittjer is Distinguished Professor of Old Testament in the School of Divinity at Cairn University. He is author of Torah Story and Old Testament Use of Old Testament.
'Gary Schnittjer has distinguished himself as an especially
perceptive reader of biblical narrative, which makes him an ideal
guide for students of the Torah. In this textbook and companion
Workbook, he draws from his deep well of insights on the biblical
text and his years of classroom experience. My students genuinely
thanked me for assigning the first edition. I'm delighted that
Schnittjer has taken the time to refresh and shorten the book to
communicate even more effectively to future students. I make it a
practice not to assign any book that I wouldn't want to reread
myself. Torah Story remains an excellent choice!'
* Carmen Joy Imes, associate professor of Old Testament Biola
University *
'Gary Schnittjer skillfully expounds the Pentateuch from a
Christian perspective, illuminating its argument, structure, unity,
and trajectory. He excels at explaining intertextual connections
and literary techniques. This second edition will enrich the next
generation for years to come.'
* Mark A. Hassler, professor of Old Testament Virginia Beach
Theological Seminary *
'Gary Schnittjer's careful and close read of the Torah effectively
captures the big picture supplemented with attention to the
priorities of each narrative segment. Gary's exceptional
scholarship is complemented by an aesthetically pleasing format
that is user-friendly. Content, formatting, and teaching aids
combine to make the second edition of the Torah Story an easy
choice for classroom and personal study.'
* John F. Klem, dean, Center for Biblical Studies Seminary
Antipolo City, Philippines *
'Gary Schnittjer's Torah Story is a rich resource for studying the
Pentateuch, not only in surveying its content and major themes or
in providing helpful charts and illustrations, but by teaching
readers how to read and enjoy the Torah for themselves. Torah Story
is a superb guide to the abiding message, composition, and literary
beauty of the Pentateuch, which I highly recommend for both
classroom and personal study.'
* L. Michael Morales, professor of biblical studies Greenville
Presbyterian Theological Seminary *
'I have assigned Torah Story in my Pentateuch course for many years
because of Gary Schnittjer's engaging approach to Pentateuch
studies. What I love most are his insightful Readings, attending to
theological interpretation and narrative artistry, and his Another
Look brimming with fresh observations about interconnections within
and between biblical books. Augmenting these strengths, the second
edition of Torah Story is enhanced throughout with updated
research, tables, images, and interactive workshops that make an
effective textbook even better for anyone seeking an apprenticeship
on the Torah.'
* Kenneth C. Way, professor of Old Testament and Semitics Talbot
School of Theology, Biola University *
'If only this book had been available twenty years ago when I was
first asked to teach a survey of the Torah course in a discipleship
program for young Israeli believers. Schnittjer's apprenticeship
approach to the Torah will be a blessing for teacher and student
alike. Every page is filled with gems of learning
opportunities--not only in terms of its insights about the Torah
but also in its insights about how to teach the Torah. It is my
sincerest hope that Schnittjer's approach will be applied to every
other book in the Bible in future publications as well!'
* Seth D. Postell, academic dean Israel College of the Bible,
Netanya Israel *
'It is difficult to improve on an already superb work, but Gary
Schnittjer has done just this in the second edition of Torah Story.
The introductory chapter, which has been substantially revised and
is now even more helpful to the student, explains how to read the
Torah in light of how biblical narrative works. Then in the
remaining chapters Schnittjer masterfully models his approach to
narrative by offering an astute theological reading of the Torah.
Throughout the reader finds many invaluable insights into the
Torah's literary features and intertextual allusions, which is
exactly what we would expect given Schnittjer's expertise in these
areas. I cannot recommend Torah Story highly enough!'
* Benjamin J. Noonan, associate professor of Old Testament and
Hebrew Columbia International University *
'Kudos to Gary Schnittjer on the Second Edition of Torah Story!
Schnittjer has taken one of the best textbooks on the Pentateuch
and made it even better. I love the new, beautiful look and layout
of the book, as well as the continued student friendly interaction.
Likewise, in Chapter 1, I find his guidelines on how to read
biblical narrative to be extremely helpful. Indeed, here and
throughout the book Schnittjer has incorporated the latest in Old
Testamament scholarship into his discussions. As a professor I
appreciate the additional resources available through Zondervan's
TextbookPlus program, as well as the helpful Workbook that is
available. All in all, this is a great textbook and I highly
recommend it!'
* J. Daniel Hays, professor emeritus at Ouachita Baptist
University and senior professor of Old Testament at Southwestern
Baptist Theological Seminary *
'Schnittjer's Torah Story is a refreshingly unique textbook on the
Pentateuch that moves beyond summarizing the content of these books
to tracing their literary strategies, intertextual connections, and
enduring significance as Christian Scripture. This
volume--especially the second edition--offers a new generation of
readers a sophisticated, accessible, and indispensable introduction
to Scripture's foundational narratives.'
* Michelle Knight, assistant professor of Old Testament and
Semitic languages Trinity Evangelical Divinity School *
'The first edition of Torah Story has always been my go-to
recommendation for textbooks on the Pentateuch. I did not agree
with every detail, but it combined clarity and organization with
deep research, careful exegesis, and useful application. Over the
years I had the privilege of closely observing hundreds of students
using this textbook and coming to a deeper understanding of God's
Word. Now Gary Schnittjer has made a good textbook even better with
updated research, expanded illustrations, and extensive resources
for teachers. I look forward to seeing how this new edition will
build on the substantial legacy of the first, cultivating sincere
love for Christ in those who give themselves wholeheartedly to the
study of the Torah.'
* Jonathan L. Master, president Greenville Presbyterian
Theological Seminary *
'The key word to take away from this book is the word apprentice.
The reader is treated to the work of someone who truly believes
that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for Christians.
Yes, even the Pentateuch. The first edition guided readers
faithfully through the Torah, both to understand its message and
its relevance for life and godliness. This new edition brings
nearly two decades of additional experience and insight from
Schnittjer's own apprenticeship in the Bible. It is improved in
every way, offering additional insights and reflections while
maintaining the character that made the first edition such a
valuable guide. One encounters not merely a fresh coat of paint but
a thoroughly restored model. The introductory chapters prepare the
apprentices for their tour of the Pentateuch, and in the rest of
the book, Schnittjer guides readers through each book of the Torah.
Like the best kind of tour guide, he has clearly retained his love
and wonder of the Pentateuch, and his intent is for the apprentice
to be shaped by it.'
* Ryan C. Hanley, department chair and assistant professor of
biblical studies University of the Cumberlands *
'The second edition of Torah Story offers an invitation to the
reader to become an apprentice of the Pentateuch. As a skilled
guide with decades of experience in the classroom, Schnittjer knows
how to lead students down the path of discovery through the
inductive study of Scripture and shows us how he does it. This
volume is ideally suited for professors who want to turn their
course into an interactive workshop. Students will enjoy its
thought-provoking questions and suggestions for research projects.
Highly recommended!'
* Gordon Johnston, professor of Old Testament Dallas Theological
Seminary *
'This book is brilliant. As someone who loves the Torah and who
cares about effective pedagogy, I am so impressed with Torah Story.
Gary Schnittjer is clearly a master of the subject and treats it
faithfully, thoughtfully, and thoroughly, as a Christian who
reveres the Hebrew Bible. But he is also clearly a great teacher,
who understands how people learn, and he has tailored the book to
maximally help students do just that. Beyond that, he has made it
superbly flexible for professors to use in whatever way suits them.
If you are going to teach or learn about the Torah, this book is
absolutely a must-have.'
* Elizabeth W. D. Groves, lecturer in Biblical Hebrew
Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia *
'This second edition of Torah Story retains all the best features
of the first edition and makes them better. I value this textbook
for how it trains students to read biblical narrative in all of its
rich design and intertextuality. The second edition enhances this
key characteristic through updated and clarified discussion and
bibliographic entries. The additional and higher quality pictures
enrich the reading experience, and students will appreciate the
slightly shorter text, editing that made the writing clearer
without losing any necessary content. Students will find Torah
Story to be a beneficial resource for study long after their course
is over.'
* Dr. Megan C. Roberts, assistant professor of Old Testament
Prairie College *
'This substantially reworked second edition of Torah Story brings
students to the cutting edge of Schnittjer's research on how
biblical writers converse with each other and draws readers
effortlessly into the strange but compelling story that stretches
from creation to the edge of the land. Students will experience
that story in all its varied plot twists and turns and learn how to
read the Old Testament with literary, historical, and theological
sensitivity. Having engaged this Torah territory, they won't want
to leave.'
* Matthew Lynch, associate professor of Old Testament Regent
College, Vancouver *
'Torah is foundational for God's revelation and understanding it
accurately provides a crucial basis for understanding and living
out the implications of the rest of Christian Scripture. Gary
Schnittjer has given the church and the academy a tool that
encourages students of all ages and backgrounds to gain greater
access and facility in God's Word. With a high view of Scripture,
his work provides believers of all times help in grasping Torah. It
is readable and relatable to the newer generation of students that
need to be challenged and enticed to see the relevance and
excitement of building a firm foundation for a life of study of
God's Word and the relevance of the Torah for the whole of God's
revelation. With that goal, Torah Story provides helpful tools to
not only understand the broad strokes but also to dig in deeper
with some helpful guidance and direction. It introduces the reader
to issues, topics, controversies, and how to read the text for what
it intends to teach--all concerns that students new to Torah
studies and Scripture in general need to recognize and begin to
understand. I look forward to using this even more helpful edition
in the classroom as I continue to introduce my students to
Torah.'
* John Soden, professor, Bible and theology Lancaster Bible
College, Capital Seminary and Graduate School *
'With superb literary sensitivity and elegant prose, Gary
Schnittjer guides readers through the Pentateuch. His keen insights
into the Torah's macrostructure and intertextual connections offer
a refreshing alternative to standard introductions and surveys.
Torah Story is a masterful textbook--clear and engaging for both
students and scholars. Its abundant sidebars, illustrations, and
questions elevate the book's usefulness and application for
learners at all stages.'
* Jillian L. Ross, associate professor of biblical studies
Liberty University *
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