Reading the First Five Books
The Invitation of the Pentateuch’s Stories
About
This book invites readers to rediscover the artistry and transformative power of the narratives of the first five books of the Bible.
Reading the First Five Books highlights key literary techniques like brevity, pacing, characterization, and use of the grotesque, showing how these characteristics shape biblical stories into memorable, complex narratives that reward close reading. This accessible guide unpacks what makes Old Testament stories effective while cultivating skills for deeper engagement with scriptural texts. Extended examples drawn from each book of the Pentateuch are included.
Bridging literary study and biblical scholarship, Reading the First Five Books models a spirit of open-minded yet careful reading that uncovers profound meaning in sparse details. The book is ideal for courses on the Old Testament or the Pentateuch. Students will find valuable instruction and inspiration for their own journeys through these sacred texts.
Introduction
1. The Invitation of Reading
2. Brevity
3. Pacing
4. Characterization
5. Complexity in Characterization
6. The Grotesque
7. Deuteronomy, Eat These Stories
Epilogue
Indexes
Endorsements
"In this wonderful book, Toombs helps us to become 'attuned to the artistry' of the Pentateuch. By attending to five important features of biblical storytelling, she demonstrates once again (per her muse, Flannery O'Connor) that 'the only suitable way to know what a story is about is to read it.' And read it well, we might add, which is precisely what Toombs models throughout the volume with keen theological-literary acumen, a deft and beautiful hand, and the gifts of a seasoned pedagogue. In the end, Toombs encourages us to eat these stories. Following another one of her muses (Eugene Peterson), I can only say 'eat this book.' You will be very glad you did."
Brent A. Strawn, D. Moody Smith Distinguished Professor of Old Testament and professor of law, Duke University
"Rachel Toombs is a uniquely gifted guide to the reading of Old Testament narrative. She offers wisdom from the realms of biblical scholarship, literature, and theology proper as well as a deep respect for the way the Scriptures form the people who read them. In Reading the First Five Books, Toombs sits beside you and prompts you to slow down and encounter the Pentateuchal stories once more with tools from these various disciplines in hand."
Rebecca W. Poe Hays, assistant professor of Christian Scriptures, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University
"Toombs writes lucidly, freshly, and engagingly. She helps us notice and appreciate things in the biblical text that we hadn't noticed and appreciated previously. With her help we can better understand some of the conventions of the biblical writers and thereby become better readers of Scripture."
Walter Moberly, emeritus professor of theology and biblical interpretation, Durham University
"What a delightful book for religion and seminary students to read along with their mentors while studying the first five books of the Bible! Brevity, pacing, and characterization are central for interpreting narratives in the Pentateuch. Dr. Toombs's attention to difficulties that contemporary readers have with these narratives ('the Grotesque') contributes much to articulating the meaning of the stories and their significance for faith. A superb and fascinating volume for those interested in understanding the narratives of the Pentateuch."
W. H. Bellinger Jr., professor of religion emeritus, Baylor University
The Author
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Rachel Toombs
Rachel Toombs (PhD, Baylor University) serves as the director of formation and connection at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Waco, Texas, and as a lecturer at Baylor University. She is the author of Flannery O'Connor and Stylistic Asceticism.
Continue reading about Rachel Toombs