The final stages of doctoral studies are full of debts of gratitude. I am especially grateful to my adviser, Dr Terence Fretheim, whose advice was well timed, whether in giving encouragement or in setting deadlines. For his counsel, expertise, hours of editing and interest I remain in his debt. I am also grateful to my readers, whose commentary, challenges and encouragement motivated and taught me along the way. I am appreciative of the direction Dr Richard Nysse gave in the early stages of my proposal and later, in conversations about God's role in the narrative. Dr Diane Jacobson was particularly helpful in conversations about wisdom, creation and law.