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Abstract
Focusing on the interpretations of the relationship between David and Michal, the paper analyses the way in which four selected twentieth century novels function as midrash, understood in its broad sense as literature which interacts with and interprets the biblical material. The article is centered around a set of questions, originally posed by David Clines vis-à-vis the biblical narrative. It also explores the answers offered to these questions by the authors and investigates how their modern perspectives influence their readings of the ancient tale. It argues that all the novels attempt to fill existing narrative gaps in the biblical text.
Abstract
This article proposes a new interpretation of the allusions to Lamentations as found in Isa. xl-lv. Scholars generally assume that the author of Isa. xl-lv transforms the Judahite material in Lamentations to fit his alleged exilic audience. Given the possible Judahite setting of Isa. xl-lv, however, there is need of reassessment. We shall here investigate the extent to which the bias toward an exilic setting of Isa. xl-lv has influenced the interpretation of the passages in which the allusions occur, and then explore how a Judahite setting of Isa. xl-lv alters this interpretation. As a result, we shall see that a Judahite setting of both texts not only facilitates but also enhances the interpretation of the same textual allusions.
Abstract
This article proposes a new interpretation of Zechariah's vision report. Zechariah's vision report has the distinct quality of an unprocessed description of a visionary experience without much ideological reflection and it attempts to impose ideological meanings onto a multivalent experience. This statement is suggested primarily by the often confused quality of the account, in combination with its interpretative openness. It is further supported by the existence of later textual additions (e.g. Zech. i 14-17; ii 10-17; iii 8b, 10; iv 6b-10a) which serve to accredit Zechariah's originally pristine report with religious and political significance.
Abstract
The theme of the watchman is a Leitmotiv throughout Is. lvi 9-lix 21. It is first introduced in Is. lvi 10-11 and continues in lvii 14 and lviii 1. In these verses, the prophet calls the leaders to reassume their role as watchman and to lead their people in justice and righteousness. In contrast, the following Is. lix 4, 15-16 describe the leaders' failure to fulfil their very duty, leading up to God's decision to intervene Himself. In this way, these verses stress the responsibility and the subsequent failure of the Judahite leadership. The idea of the watchman is closely connected with that of an intercessor. In this way, the author of Is. lvi 9-lix 21 is indebted to the earlier Is. lxii 6, where "guards" are commanded to intercede daily for the fate of Jerusalem, and to Is. lxii 1, where divine or prophetic intercession is alluded to.