Topic
This study examines the hymnic pericopes found at Revelation 4.8-11; 5.9-14; 7.10-
12; 11.15-18; 12.10-12; 15.3,4 and 19.1-8 in light of the cosmic conflict theme. It
considers that this theme is a major contributor to the development of Revelation’s
plot, and thus the hymnic sections are informed by, and inform the understanding of
the controversy.
Purpose
Recognizing that the majority of critical studies give interpretative primacy to the
social and political realities that existed in the Roman Empire at the time of
Revelation’s composition, there is need for an examination of the storyline from the
perspective of issues that are clearly of narratival importance. This study argues that
the cosmic conflict is at the center of the book’s concerns, and attempts to determine
the function of the hymns in relation to the ongoing controversy. Previous
examinations of the hymnic sections have either considered them to be a response
and/or parody to Roman liturgy, examples of God’s unquestioned sovereignty, or
expressions of thematic overtones found throughout the book. While all these
approaches make a contribution to a greater understanding of the hymns, the relation
of the hymns to the ever-present conflict theme has not been explored. This study allows the hymnic sections to engage with the larger narrative issue as to who is truly
the rightful sovereign of the universe.
Conclusion
This study found that a close examination of the text confirms that the cosmic conflict
is the major motif in the narrative, and that it does not simply serve as a metaphor for
political realities. It also concluded that the temple/throne room imagery found throughout the storyline, should have a controlling influence upon interpretation. This
setting provides the backdrop for understanding the origins and issues of the
controversy. Another conclusion of the study is that the only way for the controversy
to be resolved is for God to reveal Himself in such a manner that the truth about Him
is manifest. Finally, it was seen that the hymns do provide commentary on the conflict,
by acclaiming God’s goodness and right to rule, despite the undertones of Satan’s
accusations. / New Testament / D. Th. (New Testament)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/10557 |
| Date | 02 1900 |
| Creators | Grabiner, Steven Charles |
| Contributors | Van der Merwe, Dirk |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (x, 351 p.), application/pdf |
| Rights | University of South Africa |
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