Jeremiah and Inner Biblical Exegesis

Bringing inner biblical exegesis as a methodology to the study of Jeremiah has opened venues to discuss Jeremiah in two quite separate spheres: The book and its literary evolution, as well as the prophetic activity in its early oral-written stages. This chapter is aimed at presenting the great benefits and the many pitfalls that these cross-lines (of methodology and Jeremiah) provide for the study of the prophetic book, and not least, for the basic methodological presumptions of inner biblical exegesis as part of the study of intertextuality in prophetic literature. Focusing on interpretive (i.e., adaptation/actualization) techniques within the plethora of intertextual relationships, this chapter takes the utilization of pentateuchal traditions (rarely, texts) in Jeremiah as a case study, and calls to question some of the basic scholarly assumptions concerning Jeremiah: the differences of style (poetry and prose) and the options to differentiate the prophet from his followers/tradents/editors.

Theories of Prophecy in Jeremiah

In turning prophecy into a form of literature, the authors of ancient Israelite prophetic books repeatedly addressed the nature of prophecy itself. This preoccupation suggests that the phenomenon of prophecy was by no means a simple and known concept to the authors of this literature, but rather one in need of discursive construction. The authors of Jeremiah explored theories of prophecy from a variety of perspectives. While all the Jeremiah traditions assume a basic definition of prophecy as the mediation of a divine message through an intermediary, they also move beyond this conception in a number of ways. Though prophetic literature ostensibly presents disembodied prophecy, the authors of Jeremiah frequently direct their attention to the essentially embodied nature of prophecy. The prophet’s bodily experience, for these authors, cannot be separated from his capacity to transmit the divine message. Other parts of the Jeremiah tradition negotiate a history of prophecy in relation to Moses and Deuteronomy. For these texts, prophecy has to be understood as an unfolding history that begins but does not end with Deuteronomy. Finally, a distinct thread of tradition imagines Jeremiah’s words as carrying an almost magical efficacy. Rather than merely transmitting a message, Jeremiah’s speech has the effect of bringing about the divine judgment on Judah. In each case, the ancient authors navigate the innovative contours of prophetic literature by actively exploring the potencies of prophecy.

Biblical History in the Thought of R. Ḥaim David Halevy

R. Ḥaim David Halevy was an exceptional voice in the Religious-Zionist camp in Israel. While espousing faithfulness to the halakhah, he recognized the importance of changing circumstances with respect both to halakhic rulings and philosophical issues arising in Hebrew law. He viewed the study of history as a practical imperative, necessary to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. Frequently adducing biblical texts, he argued that Israel must learn from the patriarchs and maintain a strong military force. In particular, the events leading to the destruction of the Temple and exile prompted him to posit that the State should remain neutral and not take an active part in international affairs. On the basis of the historiographical and prophetic literature, he maintained that fidelity to the divine covenant – i.e., ethical conduct – would safeguard Israel’s existence.

Engaging Old Testament prophetic literature in traumatic times of loss and grief

This article addresses not only the matter of loss and grief but also hope and recovery. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has hugely affected not only South Africans but also people globally. One of the key features of this pandemic is loss and the associated grief. To explore these topics, the author has engaged prophetic literature, more specifically the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, which present compelling cases of loss and grief. An attempt was made to identify similarities between the experiences of the people of Judah and our current experiences of loss and grief because of the pandemic. Whilst the reality of loss and grief is validated, the positive role of prophetic words of comfort and hope is also valued.Contribution: This article offers original research in the field of biblical studies, more specifically, in the field of the Old Testament. This is in line with the scope of the article aims at relating texts from the prophetic literature to a current challenging situation of grief and loss because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modification the Concept «The Day of the Lord» in the Minor Prophets

«День Господень» является одной из ключевых тем в пророческой письменности. Цель статьи - проследить основные этапы в понимании концепта «День Господень» в книгах малых пророков: что это выражение означало для допленных и послепленных пророков, какие исторические процессы могли повлиять на изменение провозвестия о «Дне Господнем» у каждого пророка отдельно. На основе проведённого анализа автор приходит к выводу, что разрушение Иерусалима в 586 г. до Р. Х. стало основным событием, повлиявшим на развитие понятия «День Господень» в пророческой письменности. «The Day of the Lord» is one of the main topics in prophetic literature. The purpose of the article is to identify the main milestones in the formation of the concept of the «Day of the Lord» in the Minor Prophets, what this expression meant for prophets before and post exile, what historical processes could contribute to a change in the understanding of the «Day of the Lord» among the prophets. Based on the analysis, the author concludes that the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC laid the main event that influenced the development of the concept of «Day of the Lord» in prophetic literature.

Vision signals and the language of vision descriptions in the prophets

In the prophetic literature, vision descriptions (which are not to be equated with ‘vision reports’) have certain temporal and deictic orientations. Temporally, they are either past, as the vision itself is presented as past from the speech time, or present, meaning that it is described as if were occurring before the prophet’s eyes at the speech time. The spatial orientation of the text is also affected in vision descriptions as the location is in the world of the vision. Identifying a text as a vision description offers a much more coherent and meaningful interpretation of the text and fosters a deeper understanding of the text’s significance in its literary context. To that end, this study identifies two linguistic expressions that function as vision signals, that is, they indicate that the text is describing a vision. This study fills gaps in the commentary literature on the relevant texts and the literature on prophetic visions.

The Minor Prophets in Modern Culture

This essay considers the ways in which the Twelve appear in contemporary culture. These books present a challenge for the most skilled interpreters, and their obscurity proves an even greater challenge for more casual readers. It is not surprising that expressions related to the Minor Prophets in contemporary culture tend toward notable phrases or images and the sparse characters, like Hosea and Jonah, which readers find there. In many cases these elements eclipse the larger concerns in the prophetic literature and become primary themes unto themselves, such as war and peace, civil rights, or the apocalypse. The ancient Israelite prophets were odd reshapers of tradition themselves, though, so the forms in which they have found their way into modern contexts may be oddly fitting.

The Relationship of the Minor Prophets to the Major Prophets

This essay explores the relationship between the Minor Prophets and the Major Prophets. It covers three pathways that connect these two sections of the prophetic corpus. The historical pathway traces how the two sections reflect upon a selected set of historical issues and events. The textual pathway examines the exchanges that appear between the Major and Minor Prophets. In the third section, the thematic pathway, the essay provides a look at the way the two sections treat gender and ecology. The essay demonstrates that despite the perception of smallness, the Minor Prophets make significant contributions to the understanding and shape of prophetic literature.