The Heights of the Hills Are His Also

This book is one of the most theologically exciting works I have read in years. At a time when humanity is reawakening to the urgent task of renewing our relationship to creation, this book contributes an important theological perspective. It invites the reader to hear and experience God by means of the combined voices of the Psalter and the book of Job, in a way not dulled by the technological inventions that so occupy us. Beautifully written, it is bound to become a classic. Seitz draws on a lifetime of scholarly learning and of praying the psalms in Christian worship to help us better hear God’s response to Job, in a work that is somehow both scholarly and devotional, and a joy to read.

~Claire Mathews McGinnis, Professor of Theology, Loyola University Maryland

This book is modest in size but profoundly penetrating in scope. In it, Seitz places his celebrated and magisterial Old Testament scholarship in the fundamental service of humbled and thankful human self-understanding, grasped before the face of our Creator. Bringing the Psalms and Job together in an original but completely satisfying fashion, Seitz reflects on the nature of God’s identity as the Maker of heaven and earth, including of our own astonished selves. The realities of beauty and terror, suffering and mystery, succor and gratitude are unfolded in a series of sharply articulated meditations and careful scriptural readings. At times movingly personal, but mostly clear-sighted and sober, Seitz gently leads the reader into ever greater depths of comprehension about some of the most difficult and gripping matters of human existence as a gift from God. Readers of Scripture should and will treasure the grace offered in this wonderful volume.

~Ephraim Radner, Professor of Historical Theology Emeritus, Wycliffe College, Toronto School of Theology, University of Toronto

In this lively and disarmingly personal book, Seitz meditates on the majesty of God in creation as disclosed in scripture, especially the Psalter and the book of Job, and as recalled in poignant moments from his own life. In a sense it is a scriptural memoir. Deeply but quietly informed by academic scholarship, it is a practical exercise in biblical theology. Ultimately, a portrait emerges of the transparency of scripture to the Christian life.

~Daniel R. Driver, Professor of Old Testament, Atlantic School of Theology, Halifax

In The Heights of the Hills Are His Also, Christopher Seitz presents a fresh reading of the Psalms and Job as inhabiting the same theological landscape. He shows how these complementary witnesses attest to the majesty of God in creation, the covenant of providence and blessing. Drawing our attention to their typological character, Seitz interprets the Psalter and Job as together testifying to the light of Christ in creation in their shared yet distinct voice of obedience in suffering, and steadfastness in praise. Accessible, insightful, profound. Two thumbs up.

~Kathryn Greene-McCreight, PhD, author of  Galatians: A Theological Commentary