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Root SDK in prophetic literature

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HoneycuttRL_1971redacted.pdf (37.32Mb)
Date
1971
Author
Honeycutt, Roy Lee
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Abstract
 
 
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.
 
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/1842/30276
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