Terrence Fretheim, in his book The Pentateuch, makes some interesting observations regarding the rhetorical features of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. In addition to the portrait of God as Creator, Law-Giver, Judge, and Savior, an entirely relational Being emerges from the pages of Scripture. He writes,
These wide-ranging images of God suggest that a primary theme of the Pentateuch will concern God and God’s interaction with the world. God is the subject of more verbs than any other character, many of them key verbs: God creates, judges, saves, redeems, elects, promises, blesses, enters into covenant, gives the law, heals, guides and protects in the wilderness, and holds the human party accountable.
When I look back and tell story of my life, I hope I have the eyes to see God’s activity to this degree. To understand Him as the subject of every verb, the direction of every action. May our being be grounded in The Being, the God who is, the great I AM.
For in him we live and move and have our being. — Acts 17:28
already & not yet 
Thanks for sharing, Jason. Fretheim has long been a favorite Biblical Studies author of mine. He and Brueggemann, et. al have a masterful way with words – especially given the dense nature of the subject matter of which they often write.
Yeah, I’m a big fan of Terry’s work, too. And Wally. 🙂
Seriously, you’re absolutely right. It is rare when someone can communicate with such clarity and precision, especially with regard to the Pentateuch!
Terry and Wally, eh? Not only are you on a first name basis, but a truncated/nickname basis – now that’s tight!