ORIGINAL RESEARCH

 

The exile of the patriarchs amongst the prophets: A new beginning or first beginnings?

 

 

Christo J.S. Lombaard

Department of Christian Spirituality, University of South Africa, South Africa

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

Usually, the primary texts on the patriarchs of the Old Testament are considered to be those in Genesis, not only as to the extent of the material offered, but also regarding the dating accorded the patriarchs in relation to the texts concerned. References to the Old Testament patriarchs in the prophetic texts are often considered to be on the margins. In this article, this 'exile' is reversed, at least as far as the dating of the patriarchs in relation to textual references to them are concerned. Repatriating the importance of the earliest prophetic mention of the patriarchs makes possible new insights into where the patriarchs could most plausibly fit into the religious history of ancient Israel.

Keywords: Patriarchs; Prophets; Hosea 12; dating of texts; dating of traditions

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Full text available only in PDF format.

 

 

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Correspondence:
Christo Lombaard
Department of Christian Spirituality, UNISA
PO Box 392
Pretoria 0003
South Africa
Email: christolombaard@gmail.com

Received: 17 June 2010
Accepted: 19 Oct. 2010
Published: 06 Dec. 2010