Rebels and Exiles - (Essential Studies in Biblical Theology) by Matthew S Harmon (Paperback)

About the Book

We all share an experience of exile--of longing for our true home. In this ESBT volume, Matthew S. Harmon explores how the theme of sin and exile is developed throughout Scripture, tracing a common pattern of human rebellion, God's judgment, and the hope of restored relationship, beginning with the first humans and concluding with the end of exile in a new creation.

Book Synopsis

Biblical Foundations Book Awards Finalist

Deep within the human psyche lies a sense that we were made for something more than this broken world. We all share an experience of exile--of longing for our true home.

In this ESBT volume, Matthew S. Harmon explores how the theme of sin and exile is developed throughout Scripture. He traces a common pattern of human rebellion, God's judgment, and the hope of restored relationship, beginning with the first humans and concluding with the end of exile in a new creation. In this story we encounter the remarkable grace of a God who wants to dwell with his people, and we learn how to live well as exiles in a fallen world.

Rebels and Exiles makes clear how the paradigm of sin leading to exile is foundational for understanding both the biblical storyline and human existence.

About the Series

Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by Benjamin L. Gladd and L. Michael Morales, explore the central or essential themes of the Bible's grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1-3, authors trace the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemptive history. Written for students, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an accessible yet rich introduction to biblical theology.

Review Quotes

"This is biblical theology at its best--what an outstanding contribution to the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology series! Matt Harmon combines well-crafted prose, careful exegesis, compelling whole-Bible synthesis, and timely applications for the church today. Rebels and Exiles not only informs readers about the crucial themes of sin and restoration but also stirs in us a longing for our true home."

"While distancing himself from N. T. Wright's view that 'exile' is the center of biblical theology, Matthew Harmon argues that sin-exile-restoration 'is a prominent motif in the biblical story line that plays an important role in structuring that story.' I wish this book had existed when I began serious Bible reading as a young adult! It skillfully, faithfully, and readably ties Scripture together from Genesis to Revelation and explains the heart of its message. It is exegetical, theological, and doxological in an effective balance. It dramatically depicts God's broad historic purposes since Eden and Abraham without 'obscuring the forgiveness of sins that the individual experiences through the work of Jesus, ' an emphasis lacking in Wright, Harmon suggests. This is not the only book summarizing the New Testament's overarching message in concise terms, but it among the best. An added bonus is comments on application after every chapter and a masterful 'Recommendations for Further Reading' that will benefit those eager for more."

About the Author

Matthew S. Harmon (PhD, Wheaton College) is professor of New Testament studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. His books include Making All Things New and Asking the Right Questions: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Applying the Bible as well as commentaries on Galatians, Philippians, 2 Peter, and Jude.