Announcements of Plot in Genesis

by Laurence A. Turner

Publisher:

Sheffield Academic Press

, 1990

Overview

The four narrative blocks which comprise Genesis are prefaced by statements—or “Announcements”—which suggest ways in which the ensuing stories are likely to develop. The author concludes that the announcements influence their narratives in many different ways and that they are misleading indicators of how plots will develop. Genesis is more concerned to present the ironies of human motive and divine providence than to recount the working out of any pre-ordained plan on God's part. This original and refreshing monograph, written in a vigorous style, is certain to alter the way readers remember the Genesis stories.

Key Features

• Landmark scholarship on the book of Genesis
• All Scripture references are linked to the original language texts and English Bibles in your library
• Textual, linguistic, interpretive, and historical approach to studying Genesis

Contents

Top Highlights

“From a purely Machiavellian viewpoint, Sarah, not being essential to the fulfilment of the divine promise (as Abraham understands it), is expendable. But it is essential to protect his heir, Lot, and also himself, because none of the other promises of 12:1–3 have yet been fulfilled.” (Page 64)

“All things being equal, when Sarah joined Pharaoh’s household, it would be the last time she would see Abraham. But, as far as Abraham was concerned, the divine promise had made clear that his wife was expendable because of her infertility.” (Page 65)

“In order to effect these ends Abraham tells the lie that Sarah is his sister.^{1” (Pages 64–65)}

“God reveals in 13:14ff. that the land of Canaan so far promised to Abraham’s descendants is only part of the total promised land, which actually includes the Jordan valley. Given the story so far, it must seem to Abraham that Yahweh is reassuring him that Lot retains his status as true descendant and is still important for Yahweh’s purposes.” (Pages 67–68)

“The mighty hunter Nimrod (10:9) stands in stark relief to vegetarian Adam in the Garden. He is a symbol of the transformation the Announcement has undergone.” (Page 48)

Product Details

• Title: Announcements of Plot in Genesis
• Author: Laurence A. Turner
• Publisher: Sheffield Academic Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 210

About Laurence A. Turner

Laurence A. Turner is Senior Lecturer in Old Testament and Head of the Department of Theological Studies, Newbold College, Bracknell, Berkshire, UK.