God in the second book of Maccabees

The connection between words and deeds

Bibliographic Data

ID21609689
AuthorsJ W Van Henten (0000-0001-7633-0098, University of Amsterdam, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume57
Issue1
Publication date2023-09-19
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueIn die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1018-6441 • E-ISSN: 2305-0853
PublisherAOSIS (PUBLISHER • ZA)
DOI10.4102/ids.v57i1.2949
OpenAlexW4386851651
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited18

This article focuses on God’s image and role in 2 Maccabees. My analysis will build on narratology, especially characterisation, and on the differentiation proposed by Barbara Schmitz in connection with the book of Judith: the distinction between God’s role as a character depicted in the narrative (God’s acts and statements) and references to God in statements about God by other characters in the narrative. How does this differentiation work out for 2 Maccabees? Does the book describe any miracles performed by God, and if so, do these take place within or outside the normal processes of nature, as God, for example, did according to Joshua 10, 11–14, which reports that God made the sun stand still at Gibeon? Contribution: Firstly, this article presents the results of a narratological analysis of 2 Maccabees. Secondly, since the statements about God and God’s actual role are prominent in the book, this analysis is important for establishing the meaning of the book for the narratees, the intended readers. Thirdly, this reading is relevant for theological studies dealing with the image and role of God in the contexts of early Judaism and early Christianity

Art · Christianity · Epistemology · Judaism · Linguistics · Literature · Narrative · Narratology · Theology · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · Historical and Linguistic Studies · History · Philosophy

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