Divine Rejection

The theme of election is central to the Bible but troubling to many today inasmuch as God’s favor toward some and non-favor or even disfavor toward others seems arbitrary and inegalitarian.  Divine Rejection is a learned and probing meditation on the narratives surrounding Esau and Saul in sustained conversation with three interpreters whose work is centered on the Bible's election theology: John Calvin, Karl Barth, and Jon Levenson. Readers will learn a great deal from this rare work of biblical theology that both deeply engages the biblical text and later Jewish and Christian theological thinking.

~Joel S. Kaminsky, Morningstar Professor of Jewish Studies, Smith College

One of the most hopeful developments in Christian reading of Scripture in recent decades has been the steady stream of scholars mentored by Walter Moberly--among whom R. J. Balfour now must receive an eminent place. With profundity and serenity, Balfour dives into one of the most vexed domains of Christian theology: the issue of reprobation, and thus predestination as well. Alert to Calvin's and Barth's exegesis as well as to recent Old Testament scholarship and contemporary theology, he demonstrates that careful reading of the stories of Esau and Saul can provide crucial guiderails and cautions for all who wish to speak rightly about this issue. A brilliant book, shimmering with exegetical and theological insight.

~Matthew Levering, James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

Balfour offers an impressive example of theologically focused exegesis and a sustained meditation on the mystery of divine favor. He stresses how the biblical narratives of Esau and Saul testify to this mystery even as they steadily insist on human responsibility and divine responsiveness. His readings of the biblical narratives provide rich insights and his engagements with key interpreters (e.g., Barth, Calvin, Levenson) yield methodological and conceptual refinements. This is thoughtful, stimulating work at the intersection of biblical interpretation and Christian doctrine.

~Stephen B. Chapman, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Duke University

The best interpretations depend on fine distinctions. In this carefully argued volume, Balfour shows himself capable of the finest of distinctions on the way to offering a profound, even moving interpretation of 'the central mystery of divine rejection' as presented in the rejection--if that is, at the end of the day, an apt descriptor--of Esau and Saul. Balfour brilliantly describes a 'surplus of intricacy' in these accounts and, in dialogue with interlocutors like Calvin, Barth, and Levenson (among others), investigates the ambiguity and responsivity that press against 'arbitrary divine decision making and bare determinism' in these deeply important and yet deeply vexing stories. A most helpful treatment.

~Brent A. Strawn, D. Moody Smith Distinguished Professor of Old Testament and Professor of Law, Duke University