A Book Review

Dustin G. Burlet’s Judgment & Salvation: A Rhetorical-Critical Reading of Noah’s Flood in Genesis uses a rhetoric-as-persuasion flavor of rhetorical criticism to argue that the Genesis flood narrative (Gen 6–9) contains elements of both judgment and salvation. Burlet goes so far as to claim that salvation and deliverance receive greater emphasis in the biblical text than judgment.

Burlet opens with an introduction to the scholarly debates surrounding Genesis and the Flood. He then outlines his methodology for rhetorical criticism, adapting the work of George A. Kennedy. This method involves four steps:

1. Determining the boundaries of the rhetorical units. This is achieved through an analysis of the textual structure.

2. Determining the rhetorical situation. This includes identifying the exigence (the issue prompting the writing), the audience, and the constraints.

3. Determining the rhetorical strategy or genre. This step involves understanding how the author intended to shape the reader’s worldview.

4. Determining the rhetorical effectiveness. This is done by analyzing literary devices, structural patterns, and other elements.

Burlet proposes that his method offers readers a novel way to appreciate the artistry of the text and resolve exegetical disagreements. He applies his four-step process to Genesis 6:5–9:17 throughout the book. This review will focus on Chapter 4, “It Cometh!”, to illustrate Burlet’s analysis.

In Chapter 4, Burlet examines Genesis 7:1–24. The first step, determining rhetorical unit boundaries, involves a form of discourse analysis, which includes assessing coherence, cohesion, topic, and subordination. 

The second step, identifying the rhetorical situation, focuses on the exigence and the audience. Here, Burlet identifies three exigencies: (1) God’s control of the flood, (2) covenant faithfulness by both Noah and God, and (3) human sin. According to Burlet, the author of Genesis aims to move readers towards faithfulness by presenting Noah as a model who received divine protection.

The third step, determining the rhetorical strategy, begins with a fresh English translation of the Hebrew text, incorporating notes on grammar, syntax, and textual variants. Burlet’s exegetical analysis concludes that Genesis 7 emphasizes both judgment and salvation. 

The fourth step, evaluating rhetorical effectiveness, assesses whether the author has resolved the exigencies. Burlet argues that despite the narrative’s focus on disaster, it repeatedly underscores God’s efforts to preserve life.

As demonstrated with a brief survey of Chapter 4, Burlet’s work offers a compelling case for recognizing the presence of both judgment and salvation in the Flood narrative. One of the book’s key strengths is its robust methodology, which can be applied to virtually any biblical text. Students and scholars looking for fresh areas of exploration or potential dissertation topics might find Burlet’s approach particularly useful.

Furthermore, Burlet’s detailed analysis of Genesis 6–9 exemplifies his methodology’s effectiveness. By identifying the rhetorical units and situations, Burlet provides a nuanced understanding of the text’s structure and purpose. His translation work and attention to textual variants add depth to his analysis, offering readers a comprehensive view of the narrative’s rhetorical strategies. This approach not only enhances the appreciation of the Flood narrative but also encourages a deeper engagement with the text.

In conclusion, Judgment & Salvation is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the Old Testament, theology, and biblical studies, particularly those focused on rhetorical criticism. Burlet’s meticulous approach and methodology offer new insights into the Genesis flood narrative, highlighting the important balance of judgment and salvation.

Special thanks to Wipf and Stock Publishers for a review copy of this book. This did not affect my thoughts in any way, so far as I know.