Flame of Yahweh, Sexuality in the Old Testament

Abstract

FLAME OF YAHWEH, SEXUALITY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. Richard M. Davidson. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2007. Pp. 844 + xxix, pb, $29.95. Reviewed by J. Harold Ellens. The most substantial work on the Old Testament message about human sexuality has been offered us by Andrews University Professor of Old Testament, Richard M. Davidson. He previously published two books; In the Footsteps of Joshua and A Loue Song for the Sabbath, as well as many journal articles. Flame ofYahiveh is a massive work in which 1.40 of its 873 pages are devoted just to a comprehensive bibliography that is current right up to die year of its publication. That is quire an amazing feat, as any publisher knows. This fine volume provides a detailed discussion of human sexuality and gender issues raised by die Hebrew Bible and cast in a very thoughtful theological perspective. The author pulls no punches in describing die intent, idealism, and demonstrated discord in matters sexual as the Bible wrestles with them. Love, relalioriality. sensuality, sex, wooing, seduction, cherishing, and liie fun arid celebration of sexual play are all dealt with tbrthrightly and in plain language. The text is documented throughout with an enormous footnoted scholarship. The result is as much at home in the text of Holy Scripture as it is in today's latest news, and vice versa. Here is set forth both the human inadequacies and the best possibilities of relationship and intimacy. Davidson is to be commended for not overmoralizing sex, as the church has always done, historically; nor has he oversexualized morality. In the end he sets forth ways in which the foundations for a theology of sex laid down in the Old Testament provide a comprehensive basis for New Testament understanding of gender, feminist concerns, sexual orientation issues, and matters of healthy human sexuality in general. David L. Block, Old Testament Professor at Wheaton College, declared that volume represents a most remarkable achievement. With encyclopedic breadth and extraordinary depth the author explores what the Old Testament has to say about every conceivable subject related to human sexuality. His discussion of the ancient Near Eastern cultural context, from which the Old Tesurnent writings emerged and to which they appear to have responded, is exceptional; and his treatment of specific biblical passages is generally balanced and thorough.... in the future, all who embark on serious study of biblical perspectives on these issues would do well to start... here. No question about it! Davidson informs us that he has carried on the research for this meticulous and massive volume for a quarter of a century. This is profoundly evident in the quality and comprehensive scope of his work. He has constructed his work in three sections which are before and after the fall story of Genesis 3, and the life of spiritually renewed and healed humans and communities. Section 1 treats Sexuality in Eden: The Divine Design (Genesis 1-3). Section 2 is entitled. Sexuality out side the Garden: Old Testament Development (Torah, Prophets, Writings). Section 3 is Return to Eden. …