Book Review: The Epic of Eden

For our current small group I chose the topic of biblical theology – which in my lay-person’s mind has taken on the meaning of “how the Bible fits together as a single story.”  As part of my research on the topic, I was beguiled by an Amazon review into purchasing and reading The Epic of Eden, by Sandra Richter, professor of Old Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. 

I found this book to be thoughtful, scholarly, but immensely readable.  Richter takes on the topics of Old Testament history, customs and geography in such a way that the reader is drawn into God’s determination to be with his people. 

Some highlights:

• For the first time, I see how the patriarch’s role as leader meant his responsibility and willingness to sacrifice in order to bring safety and redemption to his family.
• I have never had such a clear understanding of Biblical geography as I get from her summary in Chapter 2
• The concept of a covenant (“berit” in Hebrew) was part of the local culture.  God continually used it to describe his relationship with his chosen family.  He would be suzerain over them, and they the protected vassal.  When right relationship was broken in Eden, God continually met with us to rebuild the covenant.
• God’s original purpose:  His people, in his place, in his presence. 
• God’s presence with us through history: from personal relationship in Eden, to separation, to tent-tabernacle, to temple, to indwelling Spirit.  We look to personal relationship again at the end of the age.

There were even simple things that Richter explains so that anyone can remember.  Three places.  Five people.  Even the dates have hooks:

• Abraham at about 2000 B.C.
• Exodus near 1500 B.C. (strong rounding)
• David in 1000 B.C.
• Return from exile near 500 B.C.

But my favorite aspect of the book is Richter’s attitude as author.  She clearly loves the topic, loves the people of God, and is continually grateful to God for redeeming us:

“God’s original intent to offer kingdom citizenship to every man, woman and child has been accomplished in Christ.  God’s original plan that the children of Adam might build their city in the midst of his kingdom is recreated in the new earth.  His driving desire to be with us is fulfilled as the Presence that walked in the garden now illuminates the New Jerusalem.  As the final chapters of the the New Testament declare, the great rescue has been accomplished, Adam is safely home.”