Rereading the Ark Narrative: An Exilic Word of Hope and Warning

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-91
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Beach

Abstract This article explains how 2 Sam 6:1-8 was redacted during the Babylonian exile in order to impart a theological message of hope and warning to the exilic community. This is demonstrated through an exploration of the similarities between 2 Sam 6:1-8 and Exod 32. The primary similarities include: (1) how Uzzah fulfills the same priestly role as Aaron; (2) how David serves as a symbolic “Moses figure” who guides the people and the ark to Jerusalem; and (3) how Yahweh broke out against Uzzah in anger, symbolic of how Yahweh allowed the Babylonian army to overthrow Jerusalem and take the people captive.

Author(s):  
Andreas Schüle

This chapter discusses the redaction history and theological message of Isa 56–66 (Third Isaiah). It makes a case for essentially two core compositions that each contains a theologically consistent message of prophetic criticism and future promise. The first composition—comprising Isa 58:1–59:21 (prophetic criticism) and Isa 60:1–62:12 (messianic age)—depicts the salvation that the people of Israel may obtain if they heed God’s voice. In many ways this is reminiscent of the prophetic criticism that one finds in the Book of the Twelve (Amos and Hosea in particular). Likewise, the second core composition—comprising Isa 63:7–64:11 (self-accusation) and Isa 65:1–25; 66:1–24 (new heaven and earth)—promises salvation to those who remain faithful to God’s commands.


2013 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 605-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gili Kugler

Abstract This article examines a group of confessional prayers found in Second Temple literature uttered by known/identifiable figures that are characterized by an admission of guilt on the part of the speaker and a request for divine deliverance and redemption. In Nehemiah 9, these elements are very obscure, the passage also demonstrating linguistic and historical signs that suggest it does not belong to this group or the same date. On the basis of the disparity between the prayer and its introduction, an analysis of its content, linguistic elements, and the features stressed in the historical review, this paper proposes that the prayer belongs not to the Second Temple period but to the days prior to the Babylonian exile, when the people were under bondage to foreign kings in their own land.


Author(s):  
Victor Lonu Budha

Reading Ezekiel 37:15–28 and 2 Samuel 7:1–16 from an intertextual perspective establishes that the text of Samuel 7:1–16, which is prior to that of Ezekiel, might have a certain influence. The first part of Ezekiel 37 (verses 1 to 14) describes the miserable condition of the Jewish people in the Babylonian exile. The text indicates that only YHWH is able to restore the people. In the second part (verse 15 to 28) the text presents the promise of God to fully restore his people and put them under a new leadership based on the Davidic Covenant that appears for the first time 2 Samuel 7:1–16. The two texts have many connections. The emphasis in the text of Ezekiel is on the promise of restoration that will come to realization under the leadership of the future Davidic Prince. The connections between Ezekiel 37:15–28 and 2 Samuel 7:1–16 are clear to the point that, cumulatively, we might suggest that the text of 2 Samuel 7:1–16 had influence on the text of Ezekiel 34:15–28. La relecture d’Ézéchiel 37:15-28 et 2 Samuel 7:1-16 d’un point de vue intertextuel établit que le texte de 2 Samuel 7:1-16, qui est antérieur à celui d’Ézéchiel, pourrait avoir une certaine influence sur celui d’Ézéchiel. La première partie d’Ézéchiel 37 (versets 1 à 14) décrit la condition misérable du peuple juif dans l’exil babylonien. Le texte indique que seul YHWH est capable de restaurer son peuple. Dans la deuxième partie (verset 15 à 28), le texte présente la promesse de Dieu de restaurer pleinement son peuple et de le mettre sous un nouveau leadership basé sur l’Alliance Davidique qui apparaît pour la première fois dans 2 Samuel 7:1-16. Les deux textes ont de nombreuses connexions et similarités. Dans le texte d’Ézéchiel l’accent est placé sur la promesse d’une restauration qui se réalisera sous la direction du futur Prince Davidique. Les connexions entre Ézéchiel 37:15-28 et 2 Samuel 7:1-16 sont claires au point que, cumulativement, nous pourrions suggérer que le texte de 2 Samuel 7:1-16 a eu une influence sur le texte d’Ézéchiel 34:15-28. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0720/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>


2021 ◽  
pp. 310-327
Author(s):  
Georg Fischer

The book of Jeremiah testifies to disputes about theologies on various levels. Comparison of the Hebrew text and the version of the Septuagint shows large differences regarding the manner in which they speak of God. These differences suggest that the Greek translation tried to evade unusual, challenging, or provocative aspects attributed to God by mitigating or omitting them. The opposition between YHWH, with Jeremiah on his side, and the people together with their leaders shapes the main conflict within the book. The latter wish a “comfortable” relationship without liability, whereas God and his prophet require an exclusive liaison and determination. In some passages, Jeremiah has views which differ from those of YHWH. These texts illustrate that even a prophet has to “learn,” to open himself to God’s broader horizons and distinct plans. (d) Some features of the theological message of the book of Jeremiah are unique and set it apart from all other scrolls of the Bible. Jeremiah thus conveys a particular, independent view of YHWH, which sometimes stands in contrast to Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and other writings, although sharing the same belief in the one and only God. (e) The theological struggles within the book of Jeremiah find a continuation in the conflict of contemporary interpretations. Instead of explaining the various positions with diachronic considerations, it seems sounder to understand the rich variety of theologies therein as due to the different characters, altered situations and circumstances, and to the development of the individuals within the course of history.


Anafora ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-181
Author(s):  
Marcel Macelaru

This article advocates for an interpretation of biblical stories that takes into account their nature and the way in which they are told. The argument begins with observing the predicament of the biblical interpreter in using contemporary historical and/or literary methods to interpret an ancient text expected to convey a theological message. It then offers a close reading of the Ark Narrative (1 Sam 4:1b–7:1) which exemplifies how theological conclusions can be drawn on the basis of the story alone once its literary structure and dramatic development are identified.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Skladany
Keyword(s):  

Author(s):  
Michael A. Neblo ◽  
Kevin M. Esterling ◽  
David M. J. Lazer
Keyword(s):  

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