"Abomination to Egyptians" in Genesis 43:32, 46:34, and Exodus 8:22

 

 

Aron Pinker

Maryland, USA

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

Available explanations of the causes for Egyptian sense of abomination in Genesis 43:32, 46:34, and Exodus 8:22 are either too general or incorrect. It is suggested that in Genesis 43:32 the sense of abomination possibly stems from the malodorous woolen garments worn by the Hebrews; in Genesis 46:34 it is perhaps a combination of basic farmer/shepherd distaste and hatred stemming from an association of shepherds with the barbaric nomadic chieftains on Egypt's north-eastern border; and in Exodus 8:22 it might be driven by the Hebrews' custom of burning portions of animals sacrificed to a deity. These suggestions, while speculative, have a Sitz im Leben context.

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Correspondence:
Aron Pinker
Monticello Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A.
E-mail: aron_pinker@hotmail.com