Scholars have researched various aspects of animal imagery in the Hebrew Bible, but there is, to date, no investigation which concentrates exclusively on the animal metaphors in the book of Jeremiah. This thesis seeks to bring to light this neglected area of study. This study examines the language and imagery of the animal metaphors for the nation of Israel and considers the contribution they make to the theology of the book. Since different interpretations have been given to many of the metaphors in question, our in-depth study of these metaphors endeavours to solve some of the questions regarding the meaning of these images. Chapter one spells out the approach taken in the investigation. The major theoretical approaches to metaphor are discussed and the theory of Eva Kittay is chosen as the methodological basis. Chapters two, three and four comprise the body of the investigation. Eighteen metaphors are analysed, grouped into three categories, each of which constitutes a chapter: pastoral metaphors, mammal metaphors, and bird metaphors. Each metaphor is analysed by using the same basic three-step procedure. First the metaphor is identified, its limits are clearly defined, and, when there is question, it is established that we are in fact dealing with a metaphor for the nation of Israel. Second, the text-critical problems of the passage are addressed, and third, the imagery of the vehicle is clarified, as well as what it tells us and how the vehicle informs us about the topic. Our study shows animal metaphors are essential elements of the message of the book of Jeremiah and make important theological claims about the nation of Israel. For example, several of the animal metaphors assert that Israel’s apostasy has run so deep that she is unable to mend her broken relationship with Yahweh. The restoration of Israel to Yahweh can be accomplished only through a unilateral act of Yahweh.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:521183 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Foreman, Benjamin A. |
| Publisher | University of Aberdeen |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=66971 |
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