Standing in the Breach: An Old Testament Theology and Spirituality of Intercessory Prayer by Michael Widmer

Abstract

Reviewed by: Standing in the Breach: An Old Testament Theology and Spirituality of Intercessory Prayer by Michael Widmer Penny Wheeler michael widmer, Standing in the Breach: An Old Testament Theology and Spirituality of Intercessory Prayer (Siphrut 13; Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2015). Pp. xiv + 592. $64.50. Widmer’s title refers to intercessory prayers, which “stand in the breach” between divine mercy and the wrath of God. His first chapter, “Hermeneutical Reflections,” sets forth his premises and themes. Agreeing with Claus Westermann, W. considers God’s relationship with God’s people to be the overarching theme of the Hebrew Scriptures, and he posits intercessory prayer as the very heart of theology as he outlines his approach and objectives. He notes some of the issues raised by the idea of intercessory prayer, observing that such prayer usually results from a crisis in the relationship between humans and God, on the one hand, and the divine resolution of the crisis, on the other. In chap. 2, W. describes Abraham as “patriarch and intercessor,” citing the dialogue between God and Abraham over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah as Scripture’s first example of intercessory prayer. He argues that in Gen 18:20–22 God implicitly invites Abraham to try to intercede by seeking divine mercy for the sinful cities, describing Abraham’s intercession as a dialogue in which the patriarch bargains—literally, haggles—with God. Here W. repeats Westermann’s assertion that there is no divine concession, as well as Walter Brueggemann’s claim that in Abraham’s prayer lies the power to instruct and change God. In this instance the author agrees with Nathan MacDonald’s view, concluding that, as inter-cessor, Abraham is called to be God’s “coworker,” and thus the patriarch foreshadows Israel’s priestly function among the nations (see MacDonald, “Anticipations of Horeb: Exodus 17 as Inner-Biblical Interpretation,” in Studies on the Text and Versions of the Hebrew Bible in Honour of Robert Gordon [ed. Geoffrey Khan and Diana Lipton; VTSup 149; Leiden: Brill, 2012] 7–19). The third and lengthiest chapter deals with Moses as Israel’s “archetypal intercessor.” [End Page 133] Relating Moses’ intercession to the story of Amalek’s attack on Israel, W. builds on MacDonald’s findings, concluding that Amalek not only represents an enemy but foreshadows God’s wrath and judgment. Moses’ intercession avails Israel against an external foe, but in the case of the golden calf, the enemy is internal, within the people itself. W. dedicates considerable space in this chapter to an analysis of the work of Norbert Lohfink, whose groundbreaking study of more than half a century ago remains the gold standard of scholarship in this field (Das Hauptgebot: Eine Untersuchung literarischer Einleitungsfragen zu Dtn. 5–11 [AnBib 20; Rome: Pontifical Biblical Institute, 1963]). Focusing upon the Deuteronomy account of the intercession of Moses, W. deals with Moses’ prayer on behalf of Aaron, his appeal to Israel’s “special” status as the very people of God, his appeal to the patriarchs, and his ultimate appeal to the very honor of Yhwh. W. concludes the chapter with a discussion of the theological implications of the dual advocacy role of Moses, who is at once advocate of God and advocate of the people. Widmer structures his fourth chapter around Samuel, describing him as “Israel’s second legendary intercessor.” He homes in on the many parallels between Samuel and Moses, discussing Samuel’s dealing with the sin of Israel, the Philistine threat, and the question of Yhwh’s sovereignty. In an excursus, W. treats Psalm 99, in which the intercessor calls upon the name of the king. Concluding the chapter, the author addresses 1 Samuel 12 and the redefinition of the role of prophet in the new monarchy. In chap. 5, W. concentrates on David as repentant sinner and priestly intercessor, as well as on 2 Samuel 24, which portrays Yhwh’s change of mind. W. concludes that in the case of both David and, later, Jesus, the acts of prayer and sacrifice coalesce into a single great intercessory act that yields pardon for the sinner and a reconciliation with God. The subsequent chapter focuses on Solomon’s prayer of dedication...