Biblical Foundations Book Awards Finalist

Deep within the human psyche lies a sense that we were made for something more than this broken world. We all share an experience of exile—of longing for our true home.

In this ESBT volume, Matthew S. Harmon explores how the theme of sin and exile is developed throughout Scripture. He traces a common pattern of human rebellion, God's judgment, and the hope of restored relationship, beginning with the first humans and concluding with the end of exile in a new creation. In this story we encounter the remarkable grace of a God who wants to dwell with his people, and we learn how to live well as exiles in a fallen world.

Rebels and Exilesmakes clear how the paradigm of sin leading to exile is foundational for understanding both the biblical storyline and human existence.

About the Series

Essential Studies in Biblical Theology (ESBT), edited by BenjaminL. Gladd and L. Michael Morales, explore the central or essential themes of the Bible's grand storyline. Taking cues from Genesis 1–3, authors trace the presence of these themes throughout the entire sweep of redemptive history. Written forstudents, church leaders, and laypeople, the ESBT offers an accessible yet rich introduction to biblical theology.



Benjamin L. Gladd (PhD, Wheaton) is associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary and series editor for Essential Studies in Biblical Theology. His publications include Hidden But Now Revealed, Making All Things New, and From Adam and Israel to the Church.







Matthew S. Harmon (PhD, Wheaton College) is professor of New Testament studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. His books include Rebels and Exiles, Making All Things New, and Asking the Right Questions: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Applying the Bible as well commentaries on Galatians, Philippians, 2 Peter, and Jude.



Series Preface

Author's Preface

Abbreviations



Introduction: Sin and Exile in Contemporary Experience

1. Humanity's Original Rebellion and Exile

2. The Threat of Exile If/When Israel Rebels

3. The Reality of ExileWhen Israel Rebelled

4. Return from Exile When Israel Repents

5. The End of Exile Inaugurated Through Jesus' Life and Ministry

6. Restoration Through Jesus' Death, Resurrection, and Ascension

7. Life as Exiles in a Fallen World

8. The End of Exile Consummated in a New Creation

9. The Practical Implications of Sin, Exile, and Restoration



Recommendations for Further Reading

Bibliography

Author Index

Scripture Index