Chaos Uncreated: A Reassessment of the Theme of "Chaos" in the Hebrew Bible / Edition 1

by Rebecca S. Watson

Overview

This monograph presents a challenge to the view that the Hebrew Bible contains allusions to Yahweh’s battle with chaos, showing how the term has been inappropriately applied in a range of contexts where far more diverse spheres of imagery should instead be recognised. Through the construction of a careful diachronic model (developed with particular reference to the Psalter), the author presents a persuasive case for reversing common assumptions about the development of Israelite religion, finding instead that the combat motif was absent in the earliest period, whilst the slaying of a dragon was attributed to Yahweh only in a distinctive monotheistic adaptation, which arose from around 587 B.C.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783110179934
Publisher:	De Gruyter
Publication date:	11/16/2005
Series:	Beihefte zur Zeitschrift für die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft , #341
Edition description:	Reprint 2011
Pages:	523
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.06(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Revised doctoral dissertation under the supervision of Dr Paul M. Joyce at the University of Oxford, 2001. Rebecca S. Watson was Lecturer in Biblical Studies at St Martin’s College Lancaster and Senior Tutor for the Carlisle and Blackburn Diocesan Training Institute, Carlisle, UK before returning to Oxford in 2003.

Table of Contents

I. Introduction · II. The Theme of “Chaos” in the Psalter: The State of the Question · III. Archaic Hebrew Poetry: Psalms 29, 68 and 114 · IV. Individual Laments, Royal Laments and Related Thanksgiving Psalms: Psalms 18, 32, 42-43, 69, 88, 124 and 144 · V. Songs Relating to the Protection of Zion: Psalms 93, 24, 46 and 65 · VI. National Laments: Psalms 77, 74, 89 (with 87) and 44 · VII. Songs of Universal Praise: Psalms 96, 98, 148 and 135 · VIII. The Creation of “Chaos” in the Psalter? Psalms 24, 95, 146, 148, 136, 33 and 104 · IX. The Crossing of Yam Suph: Psalms 78, 106 and 136 · X. The Theme of “Chaos” in the Psalter: Summary of Results · XI. The Theme of “Chaos” in the Wider Old Testament · XII. Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

"Studie [...] mit Intensität und auf hohem Niveau. Die von Watson geführte Auseinandersetzung geschieht materialreich und profund. Die Studie von Watson bildet eine Vorgabe, um die [...] künftige Exegese und Theologie des Alten Testaments nicht herumkommen werden."
Beat Weber in: Theologische Literaturzeitung 4/2007

"This book is recommended for scholars and advanced students interested in the topic of chaos and creation:"
John L. Mclaughlin in: Religious Studies Review 4/2006

From the Publisher