The idea of fearing God is a basic and fundamental concept in the Old Testament theology. However, the idea is often misunderstood or associated with mixed thoughts and emotions. There are two main reasons for this. First, the concept of fear has different meanings depending on the object. Second, as time goes by, languages develop and the translation of fear gets different associations, influenced by that process and the surrounding culture. In the light of these perspectives, this essay seeks a thorough analysis of the basic hebrew understanding of the idea of fearing God in the Old Testament. To get an answer, or deeper understanding, of what the idea of fearing God means according to the Old Testament theology, an exegetical analysis is performed based on literary criticism and a comparative analysis based on four theological traditions in the Old Testament. The traditions that are examined are deuteronomistic, priestly, poetic and prophetic with focus on Isaiah. Since the understanding of the idea of fearing God affects the understanding of God, God’s will, God’s acts and the human vocation, the subject is important. To not understand who God really is, or what intentions he has, and to be confused by the different significations of the meaning of fear when relating to other persons or things except from God, risks leading to insecurity, confusion, struggle and a lack of trust in God. If God’s intentions seems to be unpredictable, evil and powerful in a bad way, the message of God is being disturbed and misunderstood. To come closer the biblical texts can help us understand the idea of fearing God better and consequently get a more true picture and understanding of God, God’s will, God’s intentions and the human vocation.

Thesis (M.Th.)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: THE MAINTENANCE OF LAND AS THEOLOGICAL-ETHICAL IMPLICATION OF THE SABBATH YEAR IN LEVITICUS 25: 1-7 Chapter one of this thesis discusses the justification of the investigation of the Sabbath year institution along practical, theological, economic and ethical grounds. The hypothesis statement is that the most important theological effects of the Sabbath year, according to the Pentateuchal books of Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy can be traced back to the maintenance of land within the family. The selected methodology for this thesis entails a literature study of existing research (Chapters one to four) and a ‘close reading’ approach in order to examine the central text in this thesis (Lev 25: 1-7) (Chapter 5). The key terms defined in Chapter five are ‘land’, ‘maintenance of land’ and ‘Sabbath year’. Chapter two provides a theological background of the Sabbath year in the Pentateuch. Three agricultural annual festivals are discussed, namely the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest and the Feast of Tabernacles which form the theological context of Exodus 23:14-17 and Deuteronomy 15: 1-18. Chapter three identifies the motivations of the Sabbath year in the Covenant and Deuteronomic Codes and investigates the theological trends in the Books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. Chapter four is firstly an investigation of the theological trends in the Book of Leviticus and secondly of the theological trends in the Holiness Code. This chapter also covers the contents of the important institution to do with family land and other humanitarian matters, the Year of Jubilee (Lev 25: 8-54). Chapter five discusses the theological implications of the Sabbath year in Lev 25: 1-7. Chapter six is the concluding chapter which seeks to verify whether the hypothesis has been proven or not. The results of the research on the theological ethical implications of the Sabbath year for the retention of land within the family were conditionally positive. It was found that the Sabbath year helped land to remain within the family because of the following reasons: 1. the Sabbath year reminded humans to act as good stewards of God’s land; 2. the Sabbath year ensured food supplies for all the people because of God’s blessing on the spontaneous produce of the land in this special year; 3. the Sabbath year allowed the land to lie fallow a whole year thus allowing the land to be more productive in the following season thus helping poorer families to have a new beginning on the road to better life in the land; 4. As a year in which the burden of debt was removed from debtors this year helped poor landowners to recover economically and the cancellation of debts actually helped poor people not to sink deeper and deeper into debt which might end up leading to loss of land and other property. The Sabbath year theological and ethical stipulations were meant to create an environment where land was supposed to remain within families that inherited it from the LORD at the beginning, had Israel been obedient to God. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: DIE BEHOUD VAN GROND AS TEOLOGIES-ETIESE IMPLIKASIE VAN DIE SABBATJAAR IN LEVITIKUS 25: 1-7 Hoofstuk een van hierdie tesis bespreek die motivering vir die ondersoek van die Sabbatjaar as instelling op grond van praktiese, teologiese, ekonomiese en etiese gronde. Die hipotese is dat die mees belangrike teologiese implikasies van die Sabbatjaar, volgens die Pentateugboeke Eksodus, Levitikus en Deuteronomium teruggevoer kan word na die behoud van grond binne die familie. Die gekose metodologie vir hierdie tesis behels `n literatuurstudie van bestaande navorsing (Hoofstukke een tot vier) en `n ‘naby-lees’ benadering in Hoofstuk 5, wat die sentrale teks van hierdie tesis behandel, naamlik Levitikus 25: 1-7. Die belangrikste begrippe wat in hierdie hoofstuk beskryf word, is ‘grond’, ‘Sabbatjaar’ en ‘familie’. Hoofstuk twee bied `n teologiese agtergrond tot die Sabbatjaar in die Pentateug. Drie jaarlikse landboukundige feeste word bespreek., naamlik die Fees van die Ongesuurde Brode, die Oesfees en die Loofhuttefees, wat die teologiese konteks van Eksodus 23: 14-7 en Deuteronomium 15: 1-18 vorm. Hoofstuk drie identifiseer die motiverings vir die Sabbatjaar in die Verbondsboek en die Deuteronomiumkodeks, asook die teologiese tendense in die boeke Eksodus en Deuteronomium. Hoofstuk vier behels `n ondersoek na die teologiese tendense in die boek van Levitikus, asook in die Heiligheidskodeks. Hierdie hoofstuk behandel ook die inhoud van die belangrike instelling van familiegrond en ander humanitêre aangeleenthede in die Jubeljaar (Lev 25: 8-25). Hoofstuk vyf bespreek die teologiese implikasies van die Sabbatjaar in Levitikus 25: 1-7. Hoofstuk ses is die finale hoofstuk en poog om te verifieër of die hipotese van die tesis bewys kan word of nie. Die uitkoms van die navorsing oor die teologiese-etiese implikasies van die Sabbatjaar vir die behoud van grond binne die familie was positief, maar voorwaardelik. Daar is bevind dat die Sabbatjaar gehelp het om grond binne die familie te behou oor die volgende redes: 1. Die Sabbatjaar het mense herinner om as goed na God se grond te kyk; 2. Die Sabbatjaar het verseker dat daar genoeg kos is vir al die mense, juis as gevolg van God se seën op die spontane lewering van produkte deur middel van die grond in hierdie spesiale jaar; 3. Die Sabbatjaar het bepaal dat die grond vir `n jaar braak lê en dit het beteken dat die grond in die volgende seisoen meer produktief sou wees. Dit sou met ander woorde armer families help om `n nuwe begin te maak tot `n beter lewe in die land; 4. As `n jaar waarin die belemmering van skuld afgeskryf is, het hierdie jaar arm grondeienaars gehelp om ekonomies weer op die been te kom. Die kwytskelding het arm mense gehelp om nie verder skuld aan te gaan wat op die ou einde die verlies aan grond en ander eiendom sou beteken nie. Die Sabbatjaar se teologiese en etiese stipulasies was bedoel om `n situasie te skep waar grond binne die families wat dit aanvanblik van God ge-erf het, sou bly as hulle gehoorsaam aan God was.

The intention of this thesis is to try to uncover the meaning of the sin offering once again. To get to this new point of view, it uses synchronic methods and thorough analysis of defined texts of Leviticus (from the first, the fourth and the sixth chapter) and it even uses analysis of single words in a wider context. First it is concerned about getting deeply into the understanding of what sin is, then that the sacrificial animal probably becomes the sin and the sin is killed. Also there is a priest, who makes rites with the blood and the fat. It is likely that both of these rites have very deep sense. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

[pt] As leis existentes em Lv 18 e Lv 20 tratam de relações sexuais consideradas ilícitas, com destaque especial para relações de natureza incestuosa. Tema que está presente, de forma semelhante, nos parágrafos 154 a 158 do Código de Hammurabi. À diferença do segundo, os primeiros textos não proíbem explicitamente a relação incestuosa entre pai e filha(s). A presente Tese propõe analisar cada um dos dois corpora legislativos em seus contextos sócioliterários e compará-los na tentativa de explicar o silêncio existente no Levítico a respeito do incesto. Além disso, a Tese discute o alcance normativo das leis bíblicas à semelhança da discussão teórica existente sobre o tema no que tange ao Direito cuneiforme. / [en] The existing laws in Lv 18 and Lv 20 are about illicit sexual intercourse, with special focus on relationships of incestuous nature. The issue is also present in paragraphs 154 to 158 of the Hammurabi Code. Apart from the second, the first texts do not explicitly forbid incestuous intercourse between father and daughter(s). The present thesis proposes both the analysis of each legislative corpus in their social and literary contexts and their comparison as a way to explain the existing silence on incest in the Leviticus. Besides, this paper discusses the normative reach of biblical laws considering the theoretical discussion about the issue taking the cuneiform Law into consideration.

This thesis presents the first critical edition of the Tratado de la lepra by Enrique de Villena, and proposes to determine its relationship with the biblical exegesis of the Middle Ages. The study connects the treatise firmly with the exegetical tradition represented by Nicholas of Lyra. Enrique de Villena (1384? -1434) is a controversial figure of the late Castilian Middle Ages. Of noble birth, his quest for knowledge set him apart from his social class who traditionally pursued military careers at a time when Spain was still engaged in the Reconquista with the Moors. Villena's neglect of his role, together with the antagonism between his grandfather and the Castilian Court, deprived Don Enrique of the wealth and property that was rightfully his and forced him to lead a life not befitting a man of his social status. Villena was a self-educated 'humanist'. His pursuit of knowledge took him to the most varied disciplines, as is amply shown in the themes of his many writings. They range from lessons on how to become a 'royal carver' to rules for writing poetry, from superstitions to mythological and biblical exegesis. He supports his points of view with great agility, quoting renowned authorities of the Middle Ages and the Antiquity. Because of his vast knowledge and his attraction to unusual and obscure matters, Villena developed an unjustified and enduring reputation as a sorcerer. This reputation was specially reinforced after his death, when most of his books were sent to destruction by a royal edict. The Tratado de la lepra is a treatise on the interpretation of several passages of the biblical book of Leviticus, related to the occurrence of leprosy in walls, furniture, and garments. Villena tries to demonstrate 'scientifically' the feasibility of such an event, conferring absolute authority on the Bible. This work has been relatively overlooked by modern scholars, partly because the biblical passages it refers to are not ambiguous enough to justify the need for interpretation.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-17T15:01:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1215383 bytes, checksum: c25a1341e1c321cc08f721eb2de4ca69 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-07-08 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / In this dissertation we propose to analyze the images pertaining to the book of Leviticus more necessary in Chapter Sixteen referring to the rite of the sacrifice in the huge day of the atonements. We have as one´s objective identify oneself the symbolic-mythical images are present at the representations of the priest and the scapegoat, symbols existing in sacrifice ritual, and as from of that list, to discuss what are the relations between the present images in the rite of the sacrifice and symbolic process existing in the imaginary of the rite of the atonement, therefore to analyze which imaginary of the sacrifice in Leviticus´which subjective messages in this practice. Our study is descriptive and bibliography with a qualitative approach we showed clearly the contributions about the Eliade s religion theories, the contributions about Durand´s general theory of the imaginary, Maffesoli, the studies about Cassirer´s symbols, and the analysis that deal with liability the symbolic questions, mythical, imaginary and religious. In this religious sciences context, comprise by a multidisciplinary field, assist the researcher to seize the religious phenomenon and the elements inherent to him like rituals, the symbols and myths which speak about a culture of the historical time determined. The images which have emerged from Leviticus´narrative and they are inherent to the sacrifice, they have appeared, amongst the analysis ruled by the psychology religion, a search of transcendence that it still presents oneself like desire in the humility, demonstrating the necessity about the meeting itself, in the individual process, moving aside the shadow, and restoring the light of the conscience. The same images combination, analyzing amongst hermeneutic symbolic, making use of the assuming the imaginary general of the theory, showed clearly a Heroic Structure, belonging to the Imaginary Daytime System, for sacrifice realized in the great day of the atonement in Leviticus. / Nesta dissertação nos propomos analisar as imagens constantes no livro do Levítico, mais precisamente no capítulo dezesseis, no que se refere ao rito do sacrifício no grande dia das expiações. Objetivamos identificar as imagens mítico-simbólicas presentes nas representações do sacerdote e do bode expiatório, símbolos existentes no ritual do sacrifício e, a partir dessa catalogação, discutir quais as relações entre as imagens presentes no rito do sacrifício e o processo simbólico existente no imaginário do rito de expiação, ou seja, analisar qual o imaginário do sacrifício no Levítico e quais as mensagens subjetivas a essa prática. Nosso estudo é descritivo e bibliográfico com abordagem qualitativa. Evidenciamos as contribuições das teorias da religião de Eliade, as contribuições da Teoria Geral do Imaginário de Durand, Maffesoli, dos estudos sobre os símbolos de Cassirer, e das análises que tratam com propriedade as questões simbólicas, míticas, imaginárias e religiosas. Nesse contexto as Ciências das Religiões, compostas por um campo multidisciplinar, auxiliam o pesquisador a apreender o fenômeno religioso e os elementos inerentes a ele, como os rituais, os símbolos e os mitos, que falam de uma cultura ou tempo histórico determinados. As imagens que emergiram da narração do Levítico e inerentes ao sacrifício sugerem, através de uma análise pautada pela psicologia da religião, uma busca de transcendência, que ainda se apresenta na humanidade como anseio, demonstrando a necessidade do encontro consigo mesmo, num processo de individuação, afastando a sombra e restaurando a luz da consciência. O mesmo conjunto de imagens, analisado através da hermenêutica simbólica, utilizando-se os pressupostos da Teoria Geral do Imaginário, evidenciou uma Estrutura Heroica, pertencente ao Regime Diurno do Imaginário, para o sacrifício realizado no grande dia das expiações no Levítico.

This thesis presents the first critical edition of the Tratado de la lepra by Enrique de Villena, and proposes to determine its relationship with the biblical exegesis of the Middle Ages. The study connects the treatise firmly with the exegetical tradition represented by Nicholas of Lyra. Enrique de Villena (1384? -1434) is a controversial figure of the late Castilian Middle Ages. Of noble birth, his quest for knowledge set him apart from his social class who traditionally pursued military careers at a time when Spain was still engaged in the Reconquista with the Moors. Villena's neglect of his role, together with the antagonism between his grandfather and the Castilian Court, deprived Don Enrique of the wealth and property that was rightfully his and forced him to lead a life not befitting a man of his social status. Villena was a self-educated 'humanist'. His pursuit of knowledge took him to the most varied disciplines, as is amply shown in the themes of his many writings. They range from lessons on how to become a 'royal carver' to rules for writing poetry, from superstitions to mythological and biblical exegesis. He supports his points of view with great agility, quoting renowned authorities of the Middle Ages and the Antiquity. Because of his vast knowledge and his attraction to unusual and obscure matters, Villena developed an unjustified and enduring reputation as a sorcerer. This reputation was specially reinforced after his death, when most of his books were sent to destruction by a royal edict. The Tratado de la lepra is a treatise on the interpretation of several passages of the biblical book of Leviticus, related to the occurrence of leprosy in walls, furniture, and garments. Villena tries to demonstrate 'scientifically' the feasibility of such an event, conferring absolute authority on the Bible. This work has been relatively overlooked by modern scholars, partly because the biblical passages it refers to are not ambiguous enough to justify the need for interpretation. / Arts, Faculty of / French, Hispanic, and Italian Studies, Department of / Graduate

The main question of this research which focuses on the role of the Old Testament in the South African context is: If reread from an African liberationist perspective in the context of land redistribution and socio-economic justice in South Africa, could the Israelite Jubilee legislation in Leviticus 25:8-55 offer liberating and empowering possibilities for the poor in South Africa? Methodologically, both the historical-critical method and the African liberationist approach are employed in the present study. The exegesis of Leviticus 25:8-55 in which the historical-critical method is employed lays the foundation for the contextualisation of the issues arising from the exegesis. Furthermore, within the African liberationist framework, the South African context served as a lens to interpret Leviticus 25:8-55. Significantly, this study shows the misuse of power on the part of the rich élites to confiscate productive land from the poor Israelites in the pre-exilic setting. Not only were the rich élites elevated at the expense of the poor, the Levites were equally favoured economically in the Babylonian period. In post-exilic Yehud, of significance is the fact that the Jews were faced with the challenge of loss of land, indebtedness and poverty. The striking parallels between the contexts from which the text of Leviticus 25:8-55 emerged and the context of the modern reader of the Bible in South Africa are shown. It is revealed that African-South Africans who lost their productive land during the colonial and apartheid eras continue to experience indebtedness and poverty. At the same time, the political élites contribute to the present disproportionate benefits from land ownership and socio-economic injustice in the country. Like the context of Leviticus 25:8-55, in South Africa, the rich continue to be richer while many African-South Africans are trapped in the poverty cycle. In the end, it is argued that when re-read from an African liberationist perspective and in the context of the land redistribution and socio-economic justice discourse, Leviticus 25:8-55 can contribute positively to the redress of inequality and consequently to poverty alleviation in South Africa. / Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Biblical Studies (Old Testament))

Thesis (MPhil (Old and New Testament))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Since the dismantling of Apartheid in 1994, those who were dispossessed of their land under South Africa’s previous government are being restored or compensated for land that had been taken away from them prior to 1994. Christians, through their theological pronouncements and writings on justice, peace and liberation, played an active role in helping to dismantle Apartheid. And today they continue to sustain a theological role in a number of different ways relative to reconstructing our country. One such area is land restoration. Leviticus 25:8-55 (hereinafter named ‘Leviticus 25’) has become a key text for this purpose. It is an ancient legal code on land restoration for the ancient Israelites. Since it is an ancient legal text it is understandably difficult to find consensus among modern Old Testament theologians about its prescriptions. Therefore this study will discuss the perspectives of six recent scholars in their commentaries. Three of these scholars approach their perspectives from an evangelical trend (which is essentially my position), two from a Jewish trend, and one from a critical trend. The two key questions that this study will attempt to answer are: (1) What is the theological understanding of six scholars on land restoration in their commentaries on Leviticus 25 during the past twenty-six years? (2) How do they agree or differ in their theological understanding of land restoration in Leviticus 25? The first three chapters will lay the groundwork for the discussion of ‘Theological Perspectives on Land Restoration in Leviticus 25.’ Chapter one introduces the study by defining its research problem, and formulating its hypothesis, and indicating its methodology. Thereafter, chapter two will briefly discuss five basic concepts in the book of Leviticus that impact upon land restoration in Leviticus 25. These concepts are covenant, land, holiness, atonement and Jubilee. Chapter three will be a research survey on the book of Leviticus in which the following topics will be looked at: (1) The relation of Leviticus to the Pentateuch as a whole; (2) its authorship and date; (3) its contents and structure; (4) how Leviticus is interpreted; and (5) the two theological axes upon which the book revolves. Chapter four is the heart of this study. It will discuss, chronologically, the perspectives of six recent Old Testament scholars in their commentaries on Leviticus 25. It will also compare their perspectives to show how they agree or disagree with each other. The aim of this chapter is to show how different perspectives on land restoration in Leviticus 25 aid us today in understanding this great theme. Chapter five, the final chapter, will show how this study proved its hypothesis, while also showing how the different theological trends of the six scholars studied influenced their interpretations of Leviticus 25.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / The Edict of Ammisaduqa and the Jubilee Year legislation in Leviticus 25 provide the most extensive evidence for the debt relief tradition throughout the ancient Near East. A comparative analysis of these texts points to an indirect relationship between them based upon a common theme, debt-slavery of the head of the household, and terminology, andurārum and drr. However, the substantial differences in content between the two texts suggest that there is no direct relationship between them. In light of this analysis it is possible that the tradition of debt relief entered ancient Israel in some form at an early date and then was later re-emphasized during the late monarchic period under Neo-Assyrian influence. This possibility rests upon the debt relief tradition existing in Syro-Palestine under influence from Mari and the Hittites, as well as later under the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Internal evidence in Leviticus 25 also potentially points to an early rural situation for the origination of the Jubilee tradition.