Poetic Justice in Obadiah

The book of Obadiah has long been recognized for its message of lex talionis. This is not, however, simply a theme of this short book. Rather, the present article argues that the idea that Edom’s deeds will return upon its head is embedded in the language of the book itself. This ‘poetic justice’ oc...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Anderson, Bradford A. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: Sage 2010
In: Journal for the study of the Old Testament
Year: 2010, Volume: 35, Issue: 2, Pages: 247-255
Further subjects:B Esau
B Obadiah
B lex talionis
B Judah
B Edom
Online Access: Presumably Free Access
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Parallel Edition:Electronic
Description
Summary:The book of Obadiah has long been recognized for its message of lex talionis. This is not, however, simply a theme of this short book. Rather, the present article argues that the idea that Edom’s deeds will return upon its head is embedded in the language of the book itself. This ‘poetic justice’ occurs in a series of word plays and allusions that can be traced throughout Obadiah. The word plays juxtapose the identities and futures of Edom and Judah, and allude in various ways to Edom’s coming reckoning. A recognition of these dimensions of the Hebrew text may help the reader more fully appreciate the rhetorical force and literary artistry of this shortest of prophetic books.
ISSN:1476-6728
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal for the study of the Old Testament
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1177/0309089210378961