Language:
English
Year of publication:
2020
Titel der Quelle:
Revue Biblique
Angaben zur Quelle:
127,4 (2020) 481-503
Keywords:
Phinehas
;
Elijah
;
Bible Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
Characters and characteristics in the Bible
;
Mountains in the Bible
Abstract:
This article assesses the figure of Phinehas as described in the stories of the episode at Shittim (Num 25:6-15), and the altar at Gilgal (Josh 22:9-34). Investigation reveals that the first story stands in dialogue with that of the flight to Horeb (1 Kgs 19), while the second reflects the assembly at Mount Carmel (1 Kgs 18). Comparison of the characters of Phinehas and Elijah reveals that the stories about Phinehas, composed during the Restoration period, are composed polemically in opposition to Elijah, the stories about whom were composed during the First Temple period. It therefore seems that the figure of Elijah acquired new relevance during the Restoration period as a symbol of leadership that could confront two of the main challenges facing the returnees: marriage to foreign women and the encroachment of foreign groups on the Judean religion. Phinehas functions as a priestly figure that can compete with the prophetic character of Elijah.
DOI:
10.2143/RBI.127.4.3288672
URL:
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