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Reading Law: The Rhetorical Shaping of the Pentateuch

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Reading Law: The Rhetorical Shaping of the Pentateuch
Authors and Contributors      By (author) James W. Watts
SeriesBiblical Seminar
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:192
ISBN/Barcode 9781850759973
ClassificationsDewey:222.1066
Audience
Undergraduate
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint Sheffield Academic Press
Publication Date 1 June 1999
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

Watts here argues that conventions of oral rhetoric were adapted to shape the literary form and contents of the Pentateuch. The large-scale structure-stories introducing lists of laws that conclude with divine sanctions-reproduces a common ancient strategy for persuasion. The laws' use of direct address, historical motivations and frequent repetitions serve rhetorical ends, and even the legal contradictions seem designed to appeal to competing constituencies. The instructional speeches of God and Moses reinforce the persuasive appeal by characterizing God as a just ruler and Moses as a faithful scribe. The Pentateuch was designed to persuade Persian-period Judaeans that this Torah should define their identity as Israel.

Author Biography

James Watts is Associate Professor of Religion at Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA. Paul House is Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.