Genesis 14 and “The Four Quarters”

The first twelve verses of this episode describe an event which was representative of the relationship of the Assyrian Empire with vassal states. Four kings invade a rebel state, subdue it, and take hostages. These events reflect what the writer regards as the typical behaviour of kings both invader...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Old Testament essays
Main Author: Deken, Alice (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: SA ePublications [2018]
In: Old Testament essays
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Abraham, Biblical person / Lot Biblical character / Melchizedek / Bible. Genesis 14
IxTheo Classification:HD Early Judaism
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Description
Summary:The first twelve verses of this episode describe an event which was representative of the relationship of the Assyrian Empire with vassal states. Four kings invade a rebel state, subdue it, and take hostages. These events reflect what the writer regards as the typical behaviour of kings both invaders and defenders, who reject the role of the priesthood and hence their subordination to God. These kings are opposed to, and compared to an alliance comprising the king of Sodom, Melchizedek who is both priest and king, and Abram who is not a king. The final member of this opposing foursome is God. This episode takes place within the ongoing debate both within the Bible and in the ANE on the relationship between palace and temple. This text itself becomes evidence for a reconfigured “four corners of the world” presided over by the God of Abram.
ISSN:2312-3621
Contains:Enthalten in: Old Testament essays
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.17159/2312-3621/2018/v31n1a5
HDL: 10520/EJC-f37feda9a