Journal: Southeastern Theological Review
Volume: STR 11:1 (Spring 2020)
Article: From Proverb To Prophecy: Textual Production And Theology In Proverbs 30:1–6
Author: Tracy J. McKenzie

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From Proverb To Prophecy: Textual Production And Theology In Proverbs 30:1–6

Tracy J. McKenzie

with

Jonathan Shelton

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Proverbs 30:1–6 draws upon tradition and texts in the Hebrew Bible in order to contribute to the ongoing discussion of the Davidic son of God. This article analyzes texts in the Hebrew Bible that have a relationship with Prov 30:1–6 and discusses how various texts build upon and develop the promise that YHWH would give David a son who would reign forever. It concludes by considering the way in which Prov 30:1–6 theologically comments upon the promise to David.

Key Words: 2 Samuel 7, 2 Samuel 23, David, innerbiblical allusion, Numbers 24, Proverbs, Son of God, textual production

The promise to King David that YHWH would give him a son who would reign forever is one of the two or three most important declarations in the Hebrew Bible. Its importance for Christianity is no less significant given the claims of the lineage, person, and nature of Jesus of Nazareth. Proverbs 30:1–6 draws upon tradition and texts in the Hebrew Bible in order to contribute to the ongoing discussion of the Davidic son of God. This essay demonstrates the relevance of the Davidic promise from an initial appearance in 2 Sam 7 to its incorporation into Prov 30:1–6. It discusses how various texts build upon and develop the promise and analyzes texts in the Hebrew Bible that have a relationship Prov 30:1–6. This essay also compares the language of these texts in order to establish any associations between them and considers the texts’ dependence upon traditions at various times in Israel’s existence up to and including Second Temple Judaism.1 It concludes by considering the way in which Prov 30:1–6

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theologically comments upon the promise to David.

Proverbs 30:1–6 presents the reader with more than one enigma. A brief survey of introductory statements by scholars demonstrates the difficulties in the text. One scholar says, �...