Mary in the Šḥimo and the Early Syriac Fathers

In this article, I examine the Old Testament roots and the patristic background of the Marian typology as it figures in the Šḥimo, the service book for regular weekday prayers in the West Syriac tradition.The focus is placed on two early Syriac Fathers: Ephrem (+373) and Jacob of Serugh (+521).The comparison reveals, first, that the Šḥimo shares in common with Ephrem several Marian symbols: Eve, the Burning bush, the Ark of Covenant, the Staff of Aaron, the Fleece, the King's daughter, the Thirsty earth, the Veil enclosing water, and the Chariot of Ezekiel.; Secondly, that Jacob of Serugh introduced new types which were echoed in the Šḥimo: the Tent of Abraham, the Tree bearing the lamb, the Veil of Moses, the new Well, the Sling of David, the new Pitcher of Elisha, the swift Cloud, the closed Door etc.; and, Thirdly, that the Šḥimo has original Marian symbols unfound in Ephrem and Jacob of Serugh, like the Ladder of Jacob, the Tablets of the Law, the Jar of Manna, the Rock in the desert, the Candelabrum, the Locked garden, and sealed fountain.I also show, finally, how the condensed thought of Ephrem, was expanded and simplified with both Jacob of Serug and the Šḥimo, within the context of Marian typology. ܐ

Genealogy · Sociology · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · Historical and Linguistic Studies · History · Psychology