عنوان

The "throne of God" motif in the Hebrew Bible

TLpq303750349

انگلیسی

The "throne of God" motif in the Hebrew Bible

[Thesis]

D. Nam

G. F. Hasel

Andrews University

1989

606

Th.D.

Andrews University

1989

This dissertation explores the biblical significance and theological implications of the "throne of God" motif through an exegetical investigation of the texts of the Hebrew Bible which have direct reference to it. Chapter I states the problems which the biblical "throne of God" motif poses, and also the objectives, limitations, methodology, and procedure of this study. Chapter II reviews pertinent literature since the turn of the century. This survey reveals the current status of investigation on our topic to be only fragmentary. Chapter III is devoted to the investigation of the "divine throne" motif in ancient Near Eastern literatures such as Sumerian, Akkadian, Hittite, Ugaritic, and Egyptian texts. One of the remarkable points in these texts is that the throne was deified and/or worshiped as a cult object. Chapter IV presents a brief study of the throne terminology in order to provide a linguistic background for the exegetical study which follows. Four Hebrew terms (kisse', kisseh, mosab, and tekunah), one Aramaic word (korse'), and other related expressions are surveyed here. Chapter V undertakes an exegetical analysis of the "throne of God" passages of the Hebrew Bible. The throne of God symbolizes His eternal kingship/kingdom, judgeship, and creatorship. Thus, it points to both sides of time, i.e., Urzeit and Endzeit. It also represents the authority of the One who calls and sends the prophets: it functions as the place of revelation. It is the insignia of God's victory over the enemies and His absolute power. It is the guarantee of safety for God's people. There are many other implications. In sum, the throne of God stands for the totality of God's attributes and activities in sustaining the universe and bringing about salvation of His people. Chapter VI summarizes and synthesizes the results of the investigation. This chapter also compares the biblical "throne of God" motif with the extrabiblical "divine throne" motif. Many peculiar aspects of the "throne of God" motif in the Hebrew Bible attest to its own unique provenance.

Language, literature and linguistics

Middle Eastern literature

Middle Eastern literature

Philosophy, religion and theology

Religion

Theology

D. Nam

G. F. Hasel

p

[Thesis]

276903

a

Y