The pnmary purpose of this dissertation is to define the function of Psalm 90 and its relationship with regard to adjacent psalms. Keeping this purpose in mind, the dissertation is composed of two main parts. The first part deals with textual notes, structural analysis, the date of the psalm and the possible situation it arose from, and then an attempt is made about the function of the psalm. Concerning the structural analysis, this study reveals that the psalm forms a unity in contrast to the views of Muller and Zenger who have argued for the division of the psalm into two parts. The function that the psalm has within itself is to appeal to Yahweh to intervene in the dilemma the psalmist was facing in the exilic or postexilic situation. However, since the psalm itself does not hint at any clue as to what the actual situation for the appeal was, the study is extended to the examination of the canonical perspective with regard to adjacent Psalms 89 and 91. This consists of the second part, and here Psalm 90 is compared to Psalms 89 and 91 in terms of lexical, thematic, and structural aspects. The study of this part shows that Psalm 90 forms close links with the lament section of Psalm 89 (vv. 39-51) as well as Psalm 91, and the conclusion suggests that Psalm 90 should be interpreted in the light of Psalm 89, thus reflecting the destruction of the Davidic dynasty described in Psalm 89. Concerning the relationship between Psalms 90 and 91, the latter serves as an answer to the former in order to persuade the readers that Yahweh 1s a refuge to those who seek security and protection from him. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / Th. M.(Old Testament)

D.Litt. et Phil. / This thesis combines Targum studies with Judaic studies. First, secondary sources were examined and independent research was done to ascertain the historical process that took place in the compilation of extant Pentateuchal Targums (Fragment Targum [Recension P, MS Paris 110], Neofiti 1, Onqelos and Pseudo-Jonathan). Second, a framework for evaluating Jewish exegetical practices within the age of formative Judaism was established with the scrutiny of midrashic texts on Genesis 1: 26-27. Third, individual targumic renderings of Genesis 1: 26-27 were compared with the Hebrew Masoretic text and each other and then juxtaposed with midrashic literature dating from the age of formative Judaism. Last, the outcome of the second and third step was correlated with findings regarding the historical process that took place in the compilation of the Targums, as established in step one. The findings of the summative stage were also juxtaposed with the linguistic characterizations of the Comprehensive Aramaic Lexicon Project (CAL) of Michael Sokoloff and his colleagues.The thesis can report the following findings: (1) Within the age of formative Judaism pharisaic sages and priest sages assimilated into a new group of Jewish leadership known as ‘rabbis’. Under the direction of these scholars, Pentateuchal Targums were collectively and purposefully redacted for use in liturgical, educational or halakhic contexts. This finding counters the alternative view that priestly groups remained distinct from rabbinic circles until the fourth century C.E. and that priests alone were responsible for the compilation of Targum Pseudo-Jonathan. (2) The analysis of midrashic literature revealed different modes of exegesis used by Tannaim and Amoraim, thus providing information on the time and context wherein midrashic passages were compiled. When midrashic passages were then juxtaposed with individual renderings of Genesis 1: 26-27, it became possible to obtain more specific information on the dating and purpose for which extant Pentateuchal Targums were compiled. (3) The comparison of targumic renderings of Genesis 1: 26-27 with the Hebrew Masoretic Text and each other challenges the assumption that all extant Targums were compiled for the Synagogue. In Fragment Targum and Neofiti 1, haggadic rendering goes together with the popular Aramaic dialect used in Synagogue services, while the use of Standard Literary Aramaic employed in the context of halakhic decision-making characterizes the literal rendering of Targum Onqelos. The use of different dialects in Targum Pseudo-Jonathan (PJ) in conjunction with an expansive rendering of Genesis 1: 26-27, which concurs with rhetorical arguments of Palestinian Amoraim in the Palestinian Talmud and Genesis Rabbah, may be an indication that PJ was used for educational purposes.

No description available.

Thesis (MTh (Old and New Testament))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / The present study focuses on the difficulties surrounding the identification of an object and subject for the discipline of Old Testament theology. The goal thereof is to address these difficulties by establishing the legitimacy of an interdisciplinary engagement therewith. In order to achieve this goal the significance of the Greek translations of the Jewish scriptures, the Septuagint, for determining the object and subject of Old Testament theology is pursued. The problems surrounding the object of study in Old Testament theology are identified and discussed in terms of both canon and text. The advent of Canon criticism, with its focus on the nature, function and history of the biblical canon, as well as the study of the recent textual discoveries in the area surrounding the Dead Sea, have rendered previous consensus regarding the formation of the biblical canon(s) and the history of the biblical texts problematic. This necessitates a thorough reconsidering of the scope of the term “Old Testament”, and consequently, the basis on which the discipline of Old Testament theology is practiced. The rise to prominence of a so-called new or postmodern epistemological situation and the resulting influence of developments and shifts in literary studies on Biblical criticism, coupled with new challenges within the historical study of the biblical texts and a rediscovery of the importance of Wisdom literature forces upon the Old Testament theologian the responsibility to indicate and clarify the relationship between the Old Testament and divine revelation. Consequently, the nature of the Old Testament’s theology, and therefore, the subject of study in the discipline of Old Testament theology come under scrutiny. The focus of the study subsequently shifts to topics treated in the study of the Septuagint in order to indicate how these relate to the problems plaguing the discipline of Old Testament theology. Issues relating to the proper use of terminology in Septuagint-studies, theories of the origin of the Septuagint, and the techniques that were employed in translating the Semitic source texts of the Jewish scriptures into Greek, occupy the student in this regard. As a result, the legitimacy of employing insights from Septuagint-studies in delineating the object and subject of study in Old Testament theology is demonstrated. The final chapter identifies several overtures for furthering the study of the significance of the Septuagint for Old Testament theology in general. A number of methodological problems in the latter can be subsumed under the twin heading of the scope of the “Old Testament” and the nature of its theology. Chapter 36 of the Greek translation of the book of Job acts as a brief case study in order to demonstrate the suggestions that are made in this concluding chapter of the study.

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Biblical and Ancient Studies / M. Th. (Old Testament)

The tension between the all-sufficient atonement of the cross and a socalled "final" atonement during the pre-Advent judgment, prophecied in Daniel and Revelation., are resolved when the nature of these two moments of atonement are seen in their biblical settings. The death of Messiah is clearly portrayed as the primary fulfilment of the Day of Atonement typology in not only the gospels and in Hebrews, but also in Daniel and Revelation. However, this once-for-all atonement is an infinite act of God that eclipses all time and space. As such it asserts itself dynamically in all the spheres of human experience and history. The pre-Advent judgment is therefore not another, complementary act of atonement, but the cosmic ·manifestation of the atonement of the cross that finally demonstrates and irrevocably confirms the Lordship of Christ over all who retained the faith by which they were justified. / Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Systematic Theology)

M.Th.(Old Testament)

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 1992. / One copy microfiche. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Two major religions, Judaism and Christianity, use the ancient Hebrew Bible as Holy Scripture. These books were translated in the last three centuries before the common era. The oldest of these translations is the Septuagint, a Greek translation. Not only are the Hebrew and Greek texts that were involved in the original translation process missing, but precious little is known about the doctrine and translation methods of the translators of the Septuagint. Much can be learned about these crucial issues, however, if the translation technique followed by those ancient translators is studied by comparing the present Hebrew and Greek texts. A new method to determine and describe the translation technique of the Septuagint was proposed and tested in this dissertation. This method is based on the use of the Computer Assisted Tools for Septuagint Studies (CATSS) data base and statistical methods. The translation technique of the book Deuteronomy was described using different criteria, all of which measure the frequency of non-literal renderings. Three different groups of criteria were utilized, viz. the Tov criteria as proposed by E. Tov, criteria defined using the markers in the CATSS data base called the CATSS criteria, and grammatical criteria using the person of the verb. Each criterion was applied to the data base individually. The translation units were determined first, after which the translation technique found within the translation unit was described. The methodology implemented discriminates between significant and insignificant trends in translation technique. It became clear that the results of the different criteria indicate different translation units and different translation techniques for each of the criteria. Except for some criteria using the person of the verb, very little indication was found that the traditional translation units are supported by the data used in this study. In fact, it seems as if translation units should be determined before the translation technique is described. The translation technique should then be described according to the indicated units. Not all the Tov criteria could be utilized, but their results are in agreement to some extent. The CATSS criteria proved to be more difficult to implement than expected, but some of the criteria rendered excellent results. The person of the verb was discussed in detail using 12 different criteria. The results of the criteria utilizing the person of the verb are disappointing, and provide some scope for future research. The results rendered by this new approach are firm and easy to interpret. In addition, it is possible to utilize these results when dealing with specific text-critical problems. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die antieke Hebreeuse Bybel word deur twee godsdienstige groepe, Judaisme en die Christendom, as Heilige Skrif gebruik. Hierdie boeke is in die laaste drie eeue voor die begin van die huidige era vertaal. Die oudste vertaling is die Griekse vertaling, genoemd die Septuagint. Die Hebreeuse en die Griekse tekste wat by hierdie vertaalproses betrokke was, is verlore. Daarbenewens is bale min van die lering en vertalingstegniek van die vertalers van die Septuagint bekend. Indien die vertalingstegniek, wat deur hierdie vertalers gevolg is, bestudeer word deur die huidige Hebreeuse en Griekse tekste met mekaar te vergelyk, kan daar lig op hierdie probleme gewerp word. 'n Nuwe metode waarvolgens die vertalingstegniek van die Septuagint bepaal en omskryf kan word, is in hierdie verhandeling voorgestel en getoets. Die metodologie is gebaseer op die gebruik van die Computer Assisted Tools for Septuagint Studies (CATSS) databasis en statistiese metodes. Die vertalingstegniek van die boek Deuteronomium is omskryf deur gebruik te maak van verskillende kriteria, wat almal die frekwensie van nie-letterlike vertalingselemente meet. Drie verskillende groepe kriteria is gebruik, nl. die Tov-kriteria, soos voorgestel deur E. Toy, die CATSS-kriteria, gebaseer op merkers in die CATSS databasis en grammatikale kriteria, in die vorm van die persoon van die werkwoord. Elke kriterium is individueel op die databasis toegepas. Die vertalingseenhede is eers vasgestel, waarna die vertalingstegniek beskryf is. Die metodologie wat gebruik is, onderskei tussen betekenisvolle en nie-betekenisvolle neigings in vertalingstegniek. Dit is duidelik dat die resultate van die verskillende kriteria verskillende vertalingseenhede en verskillende vertalingstegnieke vir elk van die kriteria aandui. Uitgesonder sommige kriteria, wat gebruik maak van die persoon van die werkwoord, is daar baie min ondersteuning gevind vir die handhawing van tradisionele vertalingseenhede. Dit wil eerder voorkom asof vertalingseenhede bepaal moet word voordat daar met die beskrywing van vertalingstegniek voortgegaan kan word. Die vertalingstegniek moet dan beskryf word met inagneming van die verskillende vertalingseenhede. Nie al die Tov-kriteria kon gebruik word nie, maar die resultate van die wat gebruik kon word, stem tot 'n mate ooreen. Dit het geblyk dat die CATSS-kriteria baie moeiliker was om te implementeer as wat verwag is. Sommige van hierdie kriteria het egter uitstekende resultate gelewer. Die persoon van die werkwoord is in nouere besonderhede ondersoek, deur gebruik te maak van 12 verskillende kriteria. Die resultate van die kriteria wat van die persoon van die werkwoord gebruik gemaak het, is teleurstellend, en bied moontlikhede vir addisionele navorsing. Die resultate wat deur die nuwe metode van ondersoek gelewer word, is vas en maklik om te interpreteer. Dit is ook moontlik om hierdie resultate te gebruik wanneer spesifieke tekskritiese probleme ondersoek moet word.

This work makes a contribution to the history of the interpretation of Hebrew scripture by examining the earlier texts, produced by the linguistically cognate communities of Arabic-speaking Jews, Christians, and Muslims, of one of the more theologically controversial and linguistically difficult texts of the Judeo-Christian canon: the Book of Job. Analysis relates portions of five pre-1000 C. E. Arabic versions to the Masoretic Text as well as to the Targum, Septuagint, Peshitta, Syro-Hexaplaric, and Coptic. Subtleties encountered in the course of translation, including theological emphases, inter-religious and inter-cultural influences, as well as paraphrastics and other form-literary concerns, are treated.