A Call to Commitment

Deuteronomy 10:12-11:32 is a very important text for the book of Deuteronomy. However, it has not received an adequate exegetical treatment so far. The present study intends to meet this need. Following a synchronic approach Thomas Karimundackal examines the text exegetically and theologically in its context. He analyzes the text extensively by referring to its intense relationships within Deuteronomy and with other biblical books. He shows how Deuteronomy 10:12-11:32 serves as a hermeneutical key to understand and interpret the theology of Deuteronomy. As a transitional passage, it connects the former framework and the Law Code in Deuteronomy, and thus forms a bridge. In addition, it is repeatedly connected to the latter framework of Deuteronomy, and thus proves to be a hermeneutical key to the book. From a theological point of view, the unique statements about God in Deut 10 stand out. The author also reflects on the role of the community and the contemporary relevance of the text.

Thomas Karimundackal SJ teaches Old Testament in the prestigious theological educational institution of India, Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth (Pontifical Institute of Philosophy & Religion), in Pune. He has a licentiate degree from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and a master's degree in chemistry from India. The present work is a revised version of his dissertation submitted to the Theological Faculty of the University of Innsbruck.