There are many books about theological exegesis; there are far fewer books of theological exegesis. This volume on the Pentateuch begins a six-volume work of theological exegesis that will span select passages from the whole of the Christian Bible. The aim is to read Scripture according to its theological shape as a witness to the living claim of God upon church and world, made known in Jesus Christ. The theological frame of the Pentateuch is grounded in the freely given promise of God, which gathers not only the people of God but humanity--and the whole creation--into the one purpose of God's redemptive love. Indeed, we live by that selfsame promise today and must struggle to understand and act in our world in light of it. The book and the series are intended for teachers, pastors, students, and readers attentive to the theological and spiritual dimensions of the biblical witness in all its brilliance and mystery.