Conversations on Canaanite and Biblical Themes: Creation, Chaos and Monotheism

Arguments Over The Relationship Between Canaanite And Israelite Religion Often Derive From Fundamental Differences In Presupposition, Methodology And Definition, Yet Debate Typically Focuses In On Details And Encourages Polarization Between Opposing Views, Inhibiting Progress. This Volume Seeks To Initiate A Cultural Change In Scholarly Practice By Setting Up Dialogues Between Pairs Of Experts In The Field Who Hold Contrasting Views. Each Pair Discusses A Clearly Defined Issue Through The Lens Of A Particular Biblical Passage, Responding To Each Other’s Arguments And Offering Their Reflections On The Process. Topics Range From The Apparent Application Of ‘chaos’ And ‘divine Warrior’ Symbolism To Yahweh In Habakkuk 3, The Evidence For ‘monotheism’ In Pre-exilic Judah In 2 Kings 22–23, And The Possible Presence Of ‘chaos’ Or Creatio Ex Nihilo In Genesis 1 And Psalm 74. This Approach Encourages The Recognition Of Points Of Agreement As Well As Differences And Exposes Some Of The Underlying Issues That Inhibit Consensus. In Doing So, It Consolidates Much That Has Been Achieved In The Past, Offers Fresh Ideas And Perspective And, Through Intense Debate, Subjects New Ideas To Thorough Critique And Suggests Avenues For Further Research. Frontmatter -- Acknowledgements -- Abbreviations -- Table Of Contents -- Introduction -- First Conversation. Habakkuk 3: Canaanite Chaos And Conflict? -- Part I: Engagement -- Introduction -- “churning The Mighty Waters”: Opening A Dialogue On Habakkuk 3 -- “was Your Wrath Against The Rivers?” Focusing The Debate In Habakkuk 3 -- Part Ii: Continuing The Dialogue On Habakkuk 3 -- Response To Adrian Curtis -- Response To Rebecca Watson -- Part Iii: Final Reflections -- Some Observations On Rebecca Watson’s Response -- Some Observations On Adrian Curtis’s Response -- Some Joint Concluding Reflections On Habakkuk 3 -- Appendix. Occurrences Of Hă … ʾim In The Hebrew Bible -- Bibliography -- Second Conversation. Did Josiah Enact A Monotheistic Reform? Debating Belief In One God In Preexilic Judah Through 2 Kings 22–3 -- Part I: Engagement -- Introduction -- 2 Kings 22–3: Belief In One God In Preexilic Judah? -- Did Josiah Enact A Monotheistic Reform? -- Part Ii: Continuing The Dialogue On Monotheism -- Response To Richard S. Hess -- Response To Nathan Macdonald -- Part Iii: Final Reflections -- Some Observations On Nathan Macdonald’s Response -- Some Observations On Richard S. Hess’s Response -- Some Joint Concluding Reflections On Monotheism -- Bibliography -- Third Conversation. Creation And Chaos In Biblical Thought -- Part I: Engagement -- Introduction -- Distinguishing Wood And Trees In The Waters: Creation In Biblical Thought -- Chaos And Chaoskampf In The Bible: Is “chaos” A Suitable Term To Describe Creation Or Conflict In The Bible? -- Part Ii: Continuing The Dialogue On Creation And Chaos -- Response To Nicolas Wyatt -- Response To David Tsumura -- Part Iii: Final Reflections -- Some Observations On David Tsumura’s Response -- Some Observations On Nicolas Wyatt’s Response -- Bibliography -- Index Of Hebrew Words And Phrases Discussed In The Text -- Biblical Reference Index -- Index Of Ancient Near Eastern Texts And Inscriptions -- Index Of Authors -- Subjects Index Ed. By Rebecca S. Watson, Adrian H. W. Curtis. Issued Also In Print. Mode Of Access: Internet Via World Wide Web. In English.