Full Description
An examination of the presence of theophanic scenes in the final form of the Pentateuch, which argues that rather than there being a single, over-arching theophanic "type-scene" there are multiple such scenes which reflect the individual theological tendencies of the biblical books within which they appear.
The Genesis type-scene revolves around YHWH's promises in crisis situations (i.e., YHWH only appears when there is a crisis or threat to the Abrahamic promise). The Exodus type-scene typically includes the appearance of YHWH's dangerous fiery presence (Kabod Adonai), a communal setting, and divine action constituting or preserving Israel as a people in preparation for the Abrahamic inheritance. In Leviticus the theophanies augment the Exodus type-scene with a liturgical setting where a specific priestly action brings forth a theophanic response.
DeLapp then shows how Numbers recontextualizes each of the preceding type-scenes as it retells the exodus narrative post-Sinai. When read synchronically the three type-scenes build on each other and follow the developing narrative logic of Israel's larger story. Deuteronomy then re-reads the Exodus type-scene (and indirectly the Genesis type-scene) to ensure that later readers read the theophanies appropriately (i.e., YHWH only appeared as "formless" and shrouded in "fire").
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
1. Seeing the Unseen in the Tetrateuch
2. To See or Not to See: The Appearances of God in Genesis
3. Hidden in the Clouds: The Appearances of God in Exodus
4. Cultic Theophanies and the Levitical Theophanic Type-Scene: The Appearances of God in Leviticus
5. Theophanies (Re)Contextualized: The Appearances of God in Numbers
6. "There Was No Form..." Re-Reading the Type-Scenes with Deuteronomy
7. Conclusions
Bibliography
Index
