Minor Prophets
- Minor Prophets
In his essay, S. takes on the relatively neglected issue of the relationship between the Books of Isaiah and Hosea, concerning which his findings lead to a nuanced picture. The indications are that it is unlikely that there was any direct connection between the historical figure Hosea and Isaiah. In addition, the occasional shared themes and the noteworthy similarity between their respective headings (Hos 1:1; Isa 1:1) probably are the result of later reworkings, at least some of which seem to be related to the process whereby the Book of Hosea was incorporated into the Book of the Twelve. [Adapted from published abstract—C.T.B.]
Google Scholar
Prescinding from the question of whether or not the "Twelve Prophets" qualify to be regarded as a book, scholars agree that there are intertextual linkages between the complex's component "booklets." Against this background, my article investigates the analogy between Zech 13:9 with Hos 2:25 and the connection between Zech 10:6 and Hosea 1–2. On this basis, the article then proceeds to ask whether the promise of Hos 2:25 plays a role elsewhere in the Twelve. Malachi 2 proves especially interesting in this regard. Given the semantic configuration of the image of Israel as Yhwh's wife in Hosea 1–2, it does not seem inappropriate to suppose that the passages in question belong to a tradition or redaction that took over the image of Hosea 1–2 but discards its reference to Yhwh's relationship with a prostitute. The article concludes with a consideration of its findings from both a diachronic and synchronic perspective. [Adapted from published abstract—C.T.B.] [End Page 546]
Google Scholar
E.'s essay explores the cluster of metaphors in Hos 7:3-12 on the basis of three questions: (1) whether and to what extent the metaphors used in these verses can be regarded as a "cluster," the components of which are interrelated and interacting; (2) how the shifts from one source domain within the segment are to be explained; and (3) what the interweaving of different metaphors and similes contributes to the overall message of Hosea 7. In responding to these questions, E. argues that the theme of "eating" serves to unify Hos 7:3-12 where all metaphors and similes can legitimately be regarded as constituting a cluster linked to the conceptual domain of food. Whether the discourse in the section is directed against those responsible for the assassination of Israel's kings, i.e., the people in general and the court officials in particular, or the nation as a whole, or the leaders, everything in Hos 7:3-12 is, as E. puts it, about "eating and being eaten" (p. 122).—C.T.B.
Google Scholar
The anti-Baal polemics of Hos 2:16-18 have typically been interpreted as evidence for the existence of a cult of Baal in 8th cent. b.c.e. Israel. However, research on the semantic range of the term bʿl...
