This investigation of the root SDK in prophetic literature has been
executed according to the following"developmental pattern. First, the
history of the scholarly investigation of the root §DK has been traced
from the period of the 1860fs to the present. Second, contextual usages
of SDK and its derivatives have been examined in all prophetic literature;
such literature being divided for purposes of contrast into (1) pre-exilic
(2) post-exilic (other than Isaiah 40-66) (3) Isaiah 40-55, and (4) Isaiah
56-66. Both the synonyms and antonyms used contextually with SDK have
also been examined according to the four-fold division cited above. Third,
as a means of isolating the relationship between the number of occurrences
of the root SDK in a given body of literature and the percentage of total
prophetic literature which that body constituted, a "frequency index" was
established as an aid in clarifying this relationship. Fourth, both at
the conclusion of basic sections of the thesis and at the termination of
the thesis itself, specific contributions and characteristics of the study
have been noted. As an aid in summarizing further the nature and character
of this investigation the particular chapters are annoted as follows.
Chapter I: The Root SDK and Old Testament Scholarship:
The history of scholarly investigation into the meaning of SDK is
traced in this chapter from the time of Diestel and Ortloph to the present
era (culminating in the contribution of Kl. Koch). Based upon that investigation the following emphases were accepted as determinative for understanding the concept of SDK in prophetic literature; indeed, in the whole
of biblical theology. These emphases were then tested against the evidence inherent in the use of SDK and its derivatives within prophetic
literature.
First, the basic meaning of §DK is conformity to a norm or standard
Second, such conformity as characterizes the connotation of §DK is
found in the relationship(s) in which man exists. Although the relationship imposes demands, and the fulfillment of those demands is crucial to
SDK as a
reality in human experience, the relationship itself is the norm
and not the demands imposed by the relationship. Additionally, the demands
associated with §DK may fluctuate in direct response to the relationship
and/or the situation.
Third, fundamental to the conception of §DK is "wholeness;" both of
the individual and the community. The maintainance of this wholeness, the
equilibrious balance within the relationship, is fundamental.
Fourth, §D£ is both determined by and created within the sphere of the
cult; the liturgies of entrance constituting one means of determining SDK
and. the theophanic presence of Yahweh being the means of creating one
aspect of SDK.
Chapter II: The Connotation of SDK in Prophetic Literature Other Than
Isaiah 40-66
Pre-exilic and post-exilic (other than Isa. 40-66) prophetic literature was examined from the context of both the usage of the root SDK in
each of its several contexts and the use of synonyms and antonyms"used
contextually with SDK. The root and its derivatives were characterized
according to their reference to (1) man's character and action (2) inanimate objects (3) an ideal king or future leader, and (4) the action and
character of Yahweh. Upon the basis of the actual usage of SDK it is
apparent that pre-exilic prophetic literature gave greater attention to
§DK in its relationship to man's character and action and to an ideal
ruler than did post-exilic prophetic literature. Within the post-exilic
era attention shifted to Yahweh's action and character.
Synonyms and antonyms used contextually with SDK in prophetic litera¬
ture other than Isaiah 40-66 reflect a preponderant'emphasis upon relation¬
ship as fundamental to the connotation of SDK and its derivatives. The
use of antonyms reflects the same emphasis, for unrighteousness is con¬
sistently portrayed as a breach of covenant fellowship; a rupture of the
wholeness which covenant life is destined both to inaugurate and to sustain
Chapter III: The Connotation of SDK in Isaiah 40-66
The use of the root SDK and its derivatives, as well as synonyms and
antonyms Used contextualiy*with SDK, reflects the following characteristics
First, an analysis of §DK according to the same, four-fold pattern as
followed in chapter two reflects two significant factors. (1) In the
category of man's character and action the frequency index suggests that
Isa. 56-66 makes proportionately higher usage of SDK in the category of
man's character and action than does Isa. 40-55. (2) In view of the frequency with which SDK is used of Yahweh's action and character is Isa.
40-55 as against Isa! 56-66 one might well conclude that Isa. 40-55 uses
§DK with this connotation to a far greater degree than does Isa. 56-66
(15 vs. eight occurrences). When one compares the frequency index, however
it is significant that Isa. 56-66 has a slightly higher frequency index
than does Isa. 40-55 (1.11 vs. 1.04).
Second, synonyms and. antonyms clearly reflect the deliverance motif so
characteristic of the exile in Isa. 40-55 and the problems of moral and
spiritual disintegration in Isa. 56-66. In this regard Isa. 56-66 is much
more like the message of the pre-exilic prophets in its use of $DK than
is Isa. 40-55. This is graphically illustrated in that of the 46 or more
uses of SPf in the same context with SDK in prophetic literature 44 are
pre-exilic and within Isaiah 56-66. Post-exilic prophetic literature
(excluding Isa. 40-66) makes one use of the concept in the same context
with SDK and. Isa. 40-55 makes a single use of MSPT in the same context
with SDK.
Chapter IV: Conclusion
Based upon the contextual usage of SDK and its derivatives, together
with a comparison of synonyms and antonyms used contextually with SDK, the
study of the root §DK in prophetic literature confirms the definition
posed at the conclusion of the investigation of the history of interpretation, prior to the actual study of the 172 occurrences of the root SDK in
prophetic literature:
SDK connotes conformation to a relationship and
the equilibrious balance maintained through the
fulfillment of the demands of that relationship,
whether the subject be God. or man.
