Genesis 49: The foundation of Israelite monarchy and priesthood

The apparent lack of consistency in Jacob's blessings in Gen. 49, ranging from temporal irregularity to variations in genre and message have lead many scholars to suggest that the chapter should not be viewed as Jacob's blessings but rather as a compilation of tribal sayings. This article...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal for the study of the Old Testament
Main Author: Twersky, Geula 1968- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: Sage [2019]
In: Journal for the study of the Old Testament
IxTheo Classification:HB Old Testament
Further subjects:B Blessings
B Bible. Genesis 49
B Genesis 49
B Priesthood
B Monarchy
B Moses
B Jacob
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:The apparent lack of consistency in Jacob's blessings in Gen. 49, ranging from temporal irregularity to variations in genre and message have lead many scholars to suggest that the chapter should not be viewed as Jacob's blessings but rather as a compilation of tribal sayings. This article aims to support the structural unity of Gen. 49 by accessing the blessings' collective theme. The military orientation common to the animal metaphors in Gen. 49 provides a preliminary basis for presuming that the tribal blessings also share a common theme. A careful reading of the blessings points to their innovative role in dividing the responsibilities and privileges traditionally associated with the birthright. Jacob's blessings split the conventional leadership role associated with the patriarchal birthright into two subdivisions, the monarchic and the priestly, and position each of the tribal blessings within either the monarchic or the priestly blessing cluster. The perplexing prayer which interrupts the blessings emerges as the pivot around which the two blessing constellations revolve.
ISSN:1476-6728
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal for the study of the Old Testament
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1177/0309089217720625