Journal of Hebrew Scriptures (JHS)
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Tradition and Interpretation in Gen 1:1–2:4a
Get PDFIn the beginning of the 20th century several scholars (B. Stade, F. Schwally, J. Morgenstern) argued that Gen 1:1–2:4a consists of two different layers: one containing a “Tatbericht” (account of the divine act) and the other consisting of a “Wortbericht” (account of the creative divine word). This view became dominant in scholarship. However, the detailed study of O.H. Steck (1975) arguing for the literary unity of the story marked an important turning-point, the impact of which continues to be felt strongly today. This article critically examines the arguments of Steck, especially his interpretation of the “ ויהי כן -formula” ("and it was so"). This is followed by observations of important differences of specific motifs and particularities of language between the "divine-word"-statements and "divine-act"-statements. For example, in the "word-account" God collaborates with other entities such as the firmament, sea, earth, but the "act-account" attributes creative activity to God alone. The analysis leads to the conclusion that the "word-account" represents the older “skeleton” of Gen 1, while the "act-layer" consists of later additions that refine the earlier account with their own theological accents. Since the vocabulary and the theological view of the later "act-statements" can be associated with the priestly document (Pg), the early "divine word account" should be taken as another sign (in addition to, for instance, Gen 5)that P is based on – at least to some extent – identifiable sources
The Narrative Effect of Psalms 84–89
Get PDFAs the reader encounters Book III of the Psalter, the disorientation of exile challenges the psalmists’ attempts to find hope in traditional elements of faith. Within a canonical context of exile, the hymns of celebration found in Pss 84–89 become ironic expressions of a grieving Israel looking to reorient their theology by appealing to Temple, land, and Davidic covenant. Those traditional elements, however, are no longer capable of providing hope. This prepares the reader for return to Moses and Mosaic covenant in Book IV. Davidic kingship and Zion gives way to Yahweh as king, enthroned forever
Review of Westbrook, Raymond and Bruce Wells, , Everyday Law in Biblical Israel: An Introduction (Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox, 2009).
No full textReview of Tuckett, Christopher (ed.), Feasts and Festivals (Contributions to Biblical Exegesis & Theology, 53; Leuven: Peeters, 2009).
No full textReview of Niditch, Susan, My Brother Esau is a Hairy Man: Hair and Identity in Ancient Israel (New York: Oxford University Press, 2008).
No full textReview of Boccaccini, Gabriele and Giovanni Ibba (eds.), Enoch and Mosaic Torah: The Evidence of Jubilees (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2009).
No full textReview of de Hulster, Izaak J. and Rüdiger Schmitt, (eds.), Iconography and Biblical Studies: Proceedings of the Iconography Sessions at the Joint EABS / SBL Conference, 2226 July 2007, Vienna, Austria (AOAT, 361; Münster: Ugarit, 2009).
No full textThe Panchronic Yiqtol: Functionally Consistent and Cognitively Plausible
Get PDFThis article demonstrates that applying the panchronic methodology (based on the grammaticalization and path theories as well as on principles of cognitive linguistics) all apparently heterogeneous meanings provided by the BH yiqtol can be explained as manifestations of a consistent phenomenon. The yiqtol may be defined as portions of the imperfective and modal ability paths which jointly derive from a single lexically transparent and cognitively plausible input, a reduplicated participle as reconstructed for the PS *yaqattal. The author shows that the BH construction is a direct functional descendent of the PS *yaqattal which, after having suffered several analogical processes, was superficially modified to a shape based on the *yaqtul-u finally yielding the BH yiqtol
The Mound on the Mount: A Possible Solution to the Problem with Jerusalem
Get PDFFollowing Knauf\u27s suggestion (2000), the article raises the possibility that in most periods in the second and first millennia BCE the main built-up area of Jerusalem was limited to a mound on the Temple Mount. This mound, which may have covered an area of five hectares and more, was boxed-in under the Herodian platform. At these periods activity in the City of David ridge was restricted to the area near the Gihon spring. In the Iron IIB and late Hellenistic Periods the fortified settlement expanded simultaneously to both the City of David ridge and the southwestern hill. In these two periods there was no need to fortify the western side of the City of David, as this line ran in the middle of the city
