This inaugural volume in the series, Themes and Issues in Biblical Studies, includes 19 articles that, collectively, provide readers with informed presentations of a range of current debates concerning Deuteronomy as well as key themes and their implications. A number of long-standing hypotheses are re-examined, with alternative options proposed. E-publication of individual chapters has preceded the printing of the finalized collection in hardback and paperback versions. Issues that have been included are: the proposed influence of Esarhaddon’s Succession adê on Deuteronomy 13 and 28; berît as treaty, covenant, or instructions; Deuteronomy in dialogue with ancient Near Eastern law collections; reconceived Yahwism; Torah as a tool of propaganda and hegemony adapted from Persian dāta; characteristics of the Samaritan version of Deuteronomy; the role of Deuteronomy in the Pentateuch; where and when Deuteronomy might have been written, and the influence of Deuteronomy on the final shape of the psalter. Themes that have been examined include: geographical dimensions of the book; parenting; economic dimensions of the book; ethnicity and power; pedagogy; Moses as master scribe; pragmatism, utopia and dystopia in the book; ethics; and the memory of Cisjordan as a landscape of fortified cities.

Diana V. Edelman is Professor Emerita of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in the Faculty of Theology at the University of Oslo. Philippe Guillaume is Lecturer at the University of Berne. Diana V. Edelman is Professor Emerita of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in the Faculty of Theology at the University of Oslo. Philippe Guillaume is Lecturer at the University of Berne.