Mythology and Lament: Studies in the Oracles about the Nations / Edition 1

by John B. Geyer

Overview

The oracles about the nations in Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel originate in the ancient Laments. Ultimately, they were preserved because of their relevance to the Year of Jubilee, with its origins in the New Year Festival; this study illuminates their intention. In Mythology and Lament, John Geyer shows the oracles belong to the sphere of worship, making a theological (mythological) statement, not a political one. Relating to current debates about the historicity of the Hebrew Bible, Geyer also provides a theological context to questions of conflict of nations and environmental debates.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780754638360
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/28/2004
Series:	Society for Old Testament Study
Pages:	228
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Contents: Preface; Part I Introductory: What are the oracles about the nations about?; Form and structure of the oracles about the nations. Part II The Myths: Isaiah 14.4-23; Ezekiel 27 and the cosmic ship; Ezekiel 31 and the cosmic tree. Part III Yahweh: The day of Yahweh; The Yahweh passages. Part IV Myth and Lament: Sumerian lamentations; The lament passages in ON-IJE. Part V Sample Text Analysis: About Moab. Part VI Conclusions and Implications: Lament and myth and liturgy. Bibliography; Indexes.

Editorial Reviews

'... the in-depth treatment of the vocabulary used in both biblical Hebrew texts and in comparative ancient Near Eastern literature, grounds the argument in a solid scholarship.' Scripture Bulletin 'An illuminating study on a difficult set of prophetic texts.' International Review of Biblical Studies '... this volume makes a significant contribution to the debate about the origins, purpose, and contemporary relevance of these collections of oracles.' Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 'Geyer can help evangelical interpreters be more aware of the mythical and ritual imagery prophets have incorporated into their oracles - a tribute to their literary creativity.' Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society ’The study is full of interest...’ Journal of Theological Studies

From the Publisher