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Return from Exile and the Renewal of God's People

By Nicholas G. Piotrowski, Series edited by Dane Ortlund, Miles V. Van Pelt

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Accessible Guide Explores Humanity’s Exile and the Hope of Atonement

God’s people, once resting in his divine presence, now toil in exile. The theme of humanity’s expulsion and wandering begins with Adam and Eve, but echoes in events throughout the Bible. Emphasizing the pain of separation from God, exile stories also highlight the hope of resurrection and creation’s imminent restoration back to the Edenic state.

In this addition to the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, Nicholas G. Piotrowski traces the theme of exile throughout Scripture, giving readers a renewed appreciation for redemptive history and atonement in Christ. Sharing from his 15 years of study, Piotrowski connects the journeys of Abraham, Joseph, and Jesus with tabernacle imagery and other types to illustrate recurring themes of exile from Genesis until the new creation. This accessible volume helps believers understand their own exile and rejoice with the hope that they will one day worship in God’s holy presence.

  • Brief and Easy to Understand: Piotrowski’s clear style makes this theologically rich guide accessible for students and teachers as well as new Christians
  • Comprehensive: Asserting that the return from exile is the Bible’s principle drama, Piotrowski examines stories from the Garden of Eden to Mount Sinai, the Land of Canaan, and the new creation
  • Part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series: Other volumes include Resurrection Hope and the Death of DeathThe Sabbath as Rest and Hope for the People of God; and Sanctification as Set Apart and Growing in Christ

Author:

Nicholas G. Piotrowski

Nicholas G. Piotrowski (PhD, Wheaton College) is the president of Indianapolis Theological Seminary where he also teaches hermeneutics and New Testament courses. His other books include In All the Scriptures and Matthew’s New David at the End of Exile.

Product Details

Format: Paperback
Page Count: 224
Size: 5.25 in x 8.0 in
Weight: 4.0 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-8767-X
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-8767-2
ISBN-UPC: 9781433587672
Published: March 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction
 
Part 1: Exile & Death
 
Chapter 1: Adam and Eve Out of the Garden
Chapter 2: Abram into Canaan
Chapter 3: Priests into the Tabernacle
Chapter 4: Israel into the Land
Chapter 5: Israel Out of the Land
 
Part 2: Return & Resurrection
 
Chapter 6: Prophetic Voices into the Future
Chapter 7: Jesus on the Way
Chapter 8: Jesus into and Out of the Tomb
Chapter 9: The Church into the World
Chapter 10: The Lamb’s Followers into the Garden-City
 
Conclusion

Endorsements

“Nicholas Piotrowski masterfully shows how the themes of exile and exodus, death and resurrection pervade the Scriptures and develop the biblical storyline climaxing in Christ and his church. Come read of the one whose tribulation and triumph were foreshadowed from the earliest pages of Scripture and whose story culminates in his people’s renewal in the garden-city of God.”
Jason S. DeRouchie, Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Nicholas Piotrowski has authored a gem. Return from Exile and the Renewal of God’s People is a trustworthy exposition of the Bible’s storyline, filled with beautiful layers and rich connections. This book will prove a blessing and source of joy to God’s people, enabling them to know and enjoy their Bibles more deeply!”
L. Michael Morales, Professor of Biblical Studies, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary; author, Exodus Old and New

“For most readers, grasping the overarching story of the Bible is challenging. How do we best understand the grand story that spans the Old and New Testaments? Through exploring the interrelated themes of exile and restoration, Nicholas Piotrowski offers a helpful and insightful way of comprehending the story that begins with exile from God’s presence in the garden of Eden and ends with humanity’s restoration to dwell with God in the end-time garden of Eden, the new Jerusalem. This is an excellent resource that incorporates the best recent research on the Bible yet is written in an accessible style.”
T. Desmond Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies, Union Theological College

“Nicholas Piotrowski is quickly taking his place at the forefront of next-generation research on one of the fastest-emerging interests in biblical theological studies: exile. Concise yet filled with profound insights, Return from Exile and the Renewal of God’s People belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in an integrated biblical theology. I only wish I had read it before preaching my last sermon series!”
Nicholas Perrin, Senior Pastor, Corinth Reformed Church, Hickory, North Carolina

Return from Exile and the Renewal of God’s People is one of the most accessible and sensible studies to date on the theme of exile. Nicholas Piotrowski reminds us that the biblical writers consistently equate death and life with exile and the return from exile. Death is the result of the separation from the triune God’s life-giving presence, and true life can thus only be found in the presence of God through the work of Christ.”
Benjamin L. Gladd, Executive Director, Carson Center for Theological Renewal; series editor, Essential Studies in Biblical Theology