Language:
English
Year of publication:
2021
Titel der Quelle:
Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha
Angaben zur Quelle:
30,3 (2021) 156-165
Keywords:
Baruch (Apocryphal book) Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
Creation in post-biblical literature
;
Wisdom in post-biblical literature
;
Rhetoric
Abstract:
This short study seeks to highlight the rhetorical use of creation imagery in the sapiential Torah exhortation of Baruch 3:9–4:4. A methodology of rhetorical criticism will principally be used to investigate the style of this “ecologically” insightful part of the poem as well as its function in the wider message of the exhortation. The few short phrases of 3:33–35 effectively bolster the overall exhortation to adhere to the divine commandments as Israel is thereby invited to an imitation of creation in its reverent, unhesitating, joyful and Patriarch-like obedience to the divine will. To paraphrase this idea, “Hear O Israel, be like the light and the stars! Learn from creation and you will live.” Finally, this study seeks to contribute to the more recent attention to the Book of Baruch by commenting further on the previously accentuated unoriginality of this marvelous short work of Second Temple Jewish literature, especially with regard to its employment of some bright “ecological” wisdom.
DOI:
10.1177/0951820720963472
DOI:
10.1177%2F0951820720963472
URL:
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