Description: The Pentateuch, Volume 1 of the Introduction to Old Testament Studies series (original title: Interpreting Biblical Text), was written for seminary students across all denominations in the United States. This book proposes a rhetorical reading as a way to more fully understand the long and complex body of literature that is the Pentateuch. In other words, it analyzes the style and content of the texts that the author of the Pentateuch specifically crafted to influence the faith and lives of readers (or listeners). While traditional readings have focused on the world behind the text—such as the author's intent and the background and process of its formation—this book's proposed approach does not exclude those elements, but instead emphasizes the relationship with readers, seeking to understand the text of the Pentateuch through that lens.