The Last Words Of Jacob And Joseph -- By: Nicholas P. Lunn

Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 59:2 (NA 2008)
Article: The Last Words Of Jacob And Joseph
Author: Nicholas P. Lunn


The Last Words Of Jacob And Joseph

A Rhetorico-Structural Analysis Of Genesis 49:29-33 And 50:24-26

Nicholas P. Lunn

Summary

This article utilises what is here termed the rhetorico-structural method of analysis with application to the final episodes of Genesis. By means of this approach, the final major section of the book, contrary to what is found in many commentaries, is identified as 49:29-50:26, which is structured in the shape of an inverted parallel pattern. Analysed in this way the pericopae concerning the last words and death of Jacob and the last words and death of Joseph are placed in a corresponding relationship, inviting a comparison between the two. This reveals differences but also an essential unity in the final wishes of each patriarch. Though manifested in different ways their dying requests are governed by a common faith in the future fulfilment of the divine promise to give the offspring of Abraham the land of Canaan. The author’s use of a particular literary device to show the appropriateness of Jacob’s burial in the cave of Machpelah is identified. Finally, the article offers an explanation for the amount of space the narrative gives to Jacob’s burial as contrasted with that of Joseph.

1. Introduction

A number of recent studies on Old Testament narrative have usefully applied that approach to textual study which is variously called ‘structural analysis’ or ‘rhetorical analysis’.1 Such studies have

demonstrated that the elements of Hebrew narrative and the direct discourse contained within it are frequently organised into serial or symmetrical patterns. This phenomenon is observable at the level of both the macrostructure and the microstructure of the text. This is to say that patterns are evident in larger and smaller spans of discourse, based upon components from the level of whole episodes or paragraphs at one end of the scale, to single words or phrases at the other. It is commonly accepted by the exponents of this approach that the purpose of such arranging of the text is not merely to create patterns for their own sake. The artful employment of parallel and symmetrical sequences helps to mark off the boundaries of textual units and sub- units, and also serves to underscore that information which the author regards as thematically prominent.2 Both of these are fundamental considerations in the exegetical process.

Several studies h...

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