Language:
English
Year of publication:
2023
Titel der Quelle:
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament
Angaben zur Quelle:
47,3 (2023) 304-321
Keywords:
Bible. Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
Bible. Comparative studies
;
Amalekites Biblical teaching
;
Art, Egyptian
Abstract:
The battle with Amalek (Exod. 17.8–16) is among the most enigmatic stories in the book of Exodus. Commentators have particularly struggled to understand the meaning of the iconic scene at its heart: Moses raising and lowering his hand(s) (holding God’s staff?). In this essay, I argue that the scene should be envisioned differently from how most commentators have imagined it. A literary analysis of Exod. 17.8–13 shows that Moses raises the staff horizontally using both hands, which are in turn supported by Aaron and Hur’s hands. This portrayal is further reinforced in light of evidence from Egyptian iconography. The proposed understanding of the scene entails a reinterpretation of the story: it is not about using the staff but about supporting it. This conclusion has unusual theological implications, which are further sharpened in light of the role our story plays within the broader wilderness narrative.
DOI:
10.1177/03090892221149048
URL:
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