Anderson, BradfordORCID: 0000-0002-7787-8984
(2010)
Poetic justice in Obadiah.
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, 35
(2).
pp. 247-255.
ISSN 0309-0892
The book of Obadiah has long been recognized for its message of lex talionis. This is not,
however, simply a theme of this short book. Rather, the present article argues that the
idea that Edom’s deeds will return upon its head is embedded in the language of the book
itself. This ‘poetic justice’ occurs in a series of word plays and allusions that can be
traced throughout Obadiah. The word plays juxtapose the identities and futures of Edom
and Judah, and allude in various ways to Edom’s coming reckoning. A recognition of
these dimensions of the Hebrew text may help the reader more fully appreciate the
rhetorical force and literary artistry of this shortest of prophetic books.
Metadata
Item Type:
Article (Published)
Refereed:
Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Hebrew Bible; Old Testament; Edom; Esau, Judah; lex talionis;Obadiah