Gary A. ANDERSON. That I May Dwell Among Them: Incarnation and Atonement in the Tabernacle Narrative. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. 2023. pp. 270. $35.99. ISBN 0802883060. Reviewed by Giulio MUCI, Saint Leo University, St. Leo, FL 33574.

Gary Anderson's book offers an insightful exploration of the Old Testament's narrative, providing a thorough examination that sheds light on the distinct voice of the Hebrew Bible. Unlike many authors who often interpret the Old Testament in the context of the New, Anderson takes a distinctive approach by analyzing and explaining the Old Testament on its own terms. This allows the Old Testament’s theology to first develop independently, to then flourish in its relation with the New Testament and its profound revelation of the incarnation and atonement of the God-man, Jesus Christ.

Anderson begins by delving into a biblical theology of the tabernacle narrative, especially in relation to the understanding of seeing and knowing God in the tabernacle. The author first skillfully illuminates numerous typological indications embedded in the Pentateuch to then provide a clear and compelling exposition of God and the tabernacle in its formation, structure, and function. Transitioning to the latter part of the book, Anderson analyzes the nature of the golden calf incident—a pivotal moment where Israel transgresses against the God who delivered them from Egypt—and delves into the sins of Aaron’s sons. This insightful analysis, coupled with an exploration of the sacrifice of Isaac, aims to unravel the profound theological connections and theological significance surrounding the incarnation and atonement of Christ. Through this exploration, Anderson adeptly presents how the Old Testament sacrificial framework sheds light on the mystery of Christ’s sacrifice.

Following the initial restoration of their relationship through Moses’s intercession, ultimate healing is achieved with the construction of the house of the Lord. This insightful analysis, coupled with an exploration of the sacrifice of Isaac, collectively aims at unraveling the profound connections and theological significance surrounding the incarnation and atonement of Christ, particularly as portrayed in the Gospel narratives. In doing this, Anderson illuminates the peculiar testimony of Christianity, as Christ has chosen to dwell among His people, and His passion can be seen through the lens of the sacrifices in the tabernacle.

The intended audience for Anderson’s book likely comprises fellow theologians and theology students, given its rich tapestry of typological connections between texts, but it is also a book that anyone aware of the biblical narrative could navigate. The author structures the book with an examination of the priestly narrative first to then engage with the larger canonical text of the old Testament, ending with reflections on the New. Anderson presents a cogent and thorough presentation of the Old Testament’s case concerning the tabernacle, priesthood, and sacrifice, making it a valuable resource for those interested in biblical theology. While clear and suitable for its target readership, Anderson’s book may have one minor shortcoming.

In addressing the narrative of the ill-fated sacrifice by the sons of Aaron in Leviticus, Anderson admirably departs from the conventional practice of attributing the event solely to mystery, advocating instead for an interpretation through the lens of apophatic theology (134). While Anderson acknowledges the lack of consensus regarding Nadab and Abihu's transgression, it is important to note that apophatic theology, with its emphasis on the ineffable and unknowable aspects of the divine, essentially mirrors the notion of mystery in theological discourse. While chapter six demonstrates an admirable effort to explore a more nuanced understanding of this hermeneutical challenge, the substitution of apophatic theology for the traditional concept of mystery appears more semantical than substantive. This prompts inquiries into the practical implications of employing apophatic theology in this context, particularly regarding its capacity to offer fresh insights into the narrative of the sons of Aaron. Furthermore, while the author suggests a lenient interpretation of the text's receptivity to this apophatic approach, Anderson asserts a stronger stance, claiming that the text actively invites such theological scrutiny (139). Therefore, while the author's endeavor to enrich theological discourse with complex interpretative perspectives is commendable, a more critical analysis and defense of the assertive claim that the text explicitly encourages an apophatic theological reading may be necessary.

In conclusion, Anderson’s book stands as a commendable contribution to biblical scholarship, offering a fresh perspective on the Old Testament narrative and its theological implications. It serves as a valuable resource for theologians, students, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of biblical theology. I highly recommend this book to students of the Bible and those interested in knowing more about the Old Testament’s own theological voice and its relation to the New