Nebuchadnezzar and the animal mind (Daniel 4)
The case of King Nebuchadnezzar’s animal episode in Daniel 4 has typically been read in ways that pathologize animality. I argue, however, that the Hebrew Bible demonstrates at least two views of animals and knowledge: one which casts them as ignorant and stupid and one which celebrates their knowle...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Interlibrary Loan: | Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany) |
| Published: |
[2020]
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| In: |
Journal for the study of the Old Testament
Year: 2020, Volume: 45, Issue: 2, Pages: 145-157 |
| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Old Testament
/ Azariah
/ Bible. Daniel 4
/ Nebuchadnezzar II Babylonia, King -562 BC
/ Protection of animals ethics
/ Animals
/ Vision
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| IxTheo Classification: | HA Bible HB Old Testament |
| Further subjects: | B
Animals
B animal cognition B Nebuchadnezzar B animal studies B Daniel B Madness |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | The case of King Nebuchadnezzar’s animal episode in Daniel 4 has typically been read in ways that pathologize animality. I argue, however, that the Hebrew Bible demonstrates at least two views of animals and knowledge: one which casts them as ignorant and stupid and one which celebrates their knowledge, especially knowledge of the divine. Rather than reading Nebuchadnezzar’s experience through the former tradition, I offer an alternative reading in which nonhuman animals are seen as having knowledge, even a special knowledge of the divine. Nebuchadnezzar’s animalization need not be read as punishment or madness, but rather it is meant to educate him. When Nebuchadnezzar is given the ‘mind of an animal’ (4.13), the goal is to reach a better knowledge of God through this animal mind. Finally, I conclude with thoughts about how this interpretation avoids the pitfalls of conflating animality with madness and its relevance for animal ethics today. |
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| ISSN: | 1476-6728 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Journal for the study of the Old Testament
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1177/0309089219882447 |