In:
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, SAGE Publications, Vol. 45, No. 4 ( 2021-06), p. 561-575
Abstract:
My analysis of Jer 29 argues for including v. 15 in the unit describing God’s ‘good plans’, which is delimitated almost always as vv. 10-14. A review of translations and commentators reveals v. 15 to be a crux interpretum, which often is ‘solved’ through textual transposition. Discussing the omission of vv. 16-20 in Jer-LXX as well as some standard indicators of delimitation, such as speech formulas, conjunctions, and scribal paragraph markers, I argue for reading v. 15 as the exiles’ direct response to the preceding divine promises. This understanding of the structure of Jer 29 shifts the main message of the prophet’s letter from God’s ‘good plans’ to the addressee’s rejection of these plans. For a post-exilic readership, the letter explains the suspension of divine restoration and elevates the New Covenant promises of Jer 30-31.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0309-0892
,
1476-6728
DOI:
10.1177/0309089220963426
Language:
English
Publisher:
SAGE Publications
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2068281-5
SSG:
1
