Characteristic religious terms in Deuteronomy and their interconnections

Abstract

The first chapter defines the task and limits of the present research. However, the main object considered here may be stated briefly. The approach differs from that cf the hitherto knov/n ones to the study of the literature of the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy has been studied mainly as & legal code in the light of biblical criticism. Although this aspect is given due consideration in the present work, it is to be conceived of as secondary to the prophetic message contained in Deuteronomy and it surpasses the actual code.

This prophetic message is contained in the thirty Deuteronomic terms and their respective phrases.

In this research an attempt is made to demonstrate that the Deuteronomist has invested the terms listed above with a new hitherto unknown meaning.

Furthermore, besides expressing a new lexical meaning, he is also propounding a distinct teaching in each one of these terms and their respective phrases.

Effort is also made to show that these terms are inter-related with each other organically, historically and theologically, forming a unique literary composition and containing the quintessence of the Deuteronomic message. Historically they throw light on the religious, political and economic situation of the then decimated Israel (Judah) during which period (we assume) Deuteronomy to have taken shape. Theologically, we are not primarily concerned with the religious state of Israel existing during the Deuteronomist's lifetime, but rather with his faith, his conception of Yahveh, his main concern and his cause for the promulgation of the message.

In addition to the discussion of the intrinsic elements of the torms listed above, consideration is given to the various interconnections which link them into one whole, the message of Deuteronomy. Such a demonstration will show that the heart and core of the message and its distinctiveness in being Deuteronoraic does not lie in its being a legal code but in the newly formed characteristic Deuteronomic phraseology.

It Is hoped that the present work may redirect the prevailing general tendency on the part of the Bible student and find the true message of Deuteronomy by allowing its preacher to speak in the light of his own belief and according to the aim for which he promulgated his message.

The translation of the quoted Scripture verses is the writer's own rendering. The occasional transliteration of Hebrew words corresponds to the actual Hebrew pronunciation as used in Israeli and may sometimes differ slightly from that found in English textbooks. It should be emphasized here that the 'Appendix' does not constitute a pert of the actual research itself. It is intended to be more of a clarification of the present writer's position with regard to biblical criticism and an explanation as to why he has taken it.

The present research has been a humble attempt to demonstrate how both scholarship and faith can work together] how the Word of God can be studied reverently without losing sight of true scientific research.

Reverence may be said to result from faith, and scholarship from scientific study. We should not sacrifice the one for the other, but we must always remember that faith, being primary, is preeminent over scholarship. For it is only in faith that we receive the Bible as God's Word.

Without faith it may be a good manual for anthropology or a collection of ancient writings, but not a guide of faith and life for the Christian. This unity of scholarship and faith may help, it is hoped, to bring unity, so much desired, within theological circles.

The present work represents the fruit of many years if not decades of labour. Yet with these efforts, it would not have coma to full completion, except for the patient and kind advice of my professor and friend, Doctor Norman W. Porteous, for the past few years.

This is acknowledged with much gratitude as a small token of deep appreciation.