RT Article
T1 Rereading 1 Kings 17:21 in Light of Ancient Medical Texts
JF Journal of Biblical literature
VO 135
IS 3
SP 465
OP 481
A1 Davis, Andrew R. 1978-
LA English
PB Scholar's Press
YR 2016
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1581452942
AB This article proposes a new reading of the verb ṿayitmoded in 1 Kgs 17:21 which, I argue, is not from mdd ("to measure") but from myd ("to shake"). I begin by showing that the current understanding of the verb from mdd , which in this verse is usually translated "to stretch," is problematic. I suggest that the root myd , which occurs in Hab 3:6, offers a viable alternative to this problematic reading. Finally, comparing this action to Mesopotamian protocols for diagnosing comas, I propose that Elijah shakes himself over the comatose boy in order to determine his condition. This diagnosis then informs Elijah's prayer for YHWH to return the boy's nfsh, which is exactly what happens in the next verse. In this reading, Elijah's action is neither therapeutic nor magical; it is diagnostic and a necessary step that enables Elijah to formulate a prayer that is specific to the boy's predicament. His revival is not achieved through Elijah's self-measurement or sympathetic magic; rather it is the result of the prophetic word, which has the power to move YHWH to action.
K1 Ancient Medicine
K1 BIBLE. Kings, 1st
K1 ELIJAH (Biblical prophet)
K1 MESOPOTAMIAN antiquities
K1 Zarephath (Extinct city)
DO 10.15699/jbl.1353.2016.3065