Theophanic "Type-Scenes" in the Pentateuch (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780567689603)

An examination of the presence of theophanic scenes in the final form of the Pentateuch, which argues that rather than there being a single, over-arching theophanic "type-scene+? there are multiple such scenes which reflect the individual theological tendencies of the biblical books within which they appear.

The Genesis type-scene revolves around YHWH's promises in crisis situations (i.e., YHWH only appears when there is a crisis or threat to the Abrahamic promise). The Exodus type-scene typically includes the appearance of YHWH's dangerous fiery presence (Kabod Adonai), a communal setting, and divine action constituting or preserving Israel as a people in preparation for the Abrahamic inheritance. In Leviticus the theophanies augment the Exodus type-scene with a liturgical setting where a specific priestly action brings forth a theophanic response.

DeLapp then shows how Numbers recontextualizes each of the preceding type-scenes as it retells the exodus narrative post-Sinai. When read synchronically the three type-scenes build on each other and follow the developing narrative logic of Israel's larger story. Deuteronomy then re-reads the Exodus type-scene (and indirectly the Genesis type-scene) to ensure that later readers read the theophanies appropriately (i.e., YHWH only appeared as "formless+? and shrouded in "fire+?).

Author: Nevada Levi Delapp
ISBN-10: 0567689603
ISBN-13: 9780567689603
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Language: English
Published: 07/25/2019
Pages: 200
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.63lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.42d