The Context as Means of Redactional Reinterpretation in the Book of Amos
Bulgarian Evangelical Theological Institute
Correspondence: t.hadjiev{at}seh.oxon.org
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Abstract |
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This article looks at the way in which the meaning of prophetic oracles was altered when they were detached from their original historical contexts and became part of prophetic books. It takes two sayings from the book of Amos (3:12 and 9:9–10) and examines them first in isolation in order to attempt to reconstruct the probable meaning they had in their original setting. Then it investigates the ways in which their present literary context affects the interpretation of the oracles. It is argued that by incorporating oracles in larger collections and thus providing them with new interpretative frameworks the redactors were able to change somewhat their meanings without rewording them. In 3:12 the original metaphorical reference to pieces of broken furniture is now to be interpreted literally, whilst in 9:9–10 an oracle of judgement is transformed into a statement of selective punishment preparing the way for the promise of salvation.