Narrative Obtrusion in the Hebrew Bible

Appendix B: Some More Obtrusions Not Covered In This Study

Appendix B: Some More Obtrusions Not Covered In This Study Reference1 Verse Analysis Exod. 6:26 “It is the same Aaron and Moses to whom the Lord said, ‘Bring forth the Israelites from the land of Egypt, troop by troop.’” The narrator intrudes to deal with any potential questions about Aaron and Moses, assuring readers of their identity. Exod. 13:17 “Now when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although it was nearer; for God said, ‘The people may have a change of heart when they see war, and return to Egypt.’” The narrator addresses a potential reader question by claiming to know the thoughts of God. In fact, the NSRV translates the verse, “for God thought . . .” 1. Although many more obtrusions exist in the narratives of the Hebrew Bible, this appendix provides a few additional ones for consideration. All obtrusions are in bold. Translations in this appendix are from NJPS. 185 Exod. 32:25 “Moses saw that the people were out of control—since Aaron had let them get out of control—so that they were a menace to any who might oppose them.” The narrator emphasizes that Aaron is to blame for the people’s behavior when explaining Moses’ plight in trying to regain control of them. Num. 16:39-40 39“So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers that had been presented by those who were burned; and they were hammered out as a covering for the altar— 40 a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider, who is not of the descendants of Aaron, shall approach to offer incense before the Lord, so as not to become like Korah and his company—just as the Lord had said to him through Moses.” The narrator interrupts the text to emphasize the role of the sons of Aaron as the only ones who can offer incense. This intrusion addresses a larger issue than protecting a character because it involves protecting the responsibilities of an entire group. 186 | Narrative Obtrusion in the Hebrew Bible Deut. 7:22 22“The Lord your God will dislodge those peoples before you little by little; you will not be able to put an end to them at once, else the wild beasts would multiply to your hurt.” The Deuteronomist explains why the Israelites could not achieve a complete conquest before they even enter the land (cf. Exod. 23:29). Deut. 9:5 “It is not because of your virtues and your rectitude that you will be able to possess their country; but it is because of their wickedness that the Lord your God is dispossessing those nations before you, and in order to fulfill the oath that the Lord made to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” The Deuteronomist recognizes the presumptions of the people and responds accordingly. These verses show how the Deuteronomistic narrator anticipates thoughts and assumptions. 1 Sam. 2:25 “‘If a man sins against a man, the Lord may pardon him; but if a man offends against God, who can Although Hophni and Phinehas’s actions might make them worthy of death, the narrator foreshadows their deaths, making God the ultimate cause of their demise instead of the Philistines. Appendix B: Some More Obtrusions Not Covered In This Study | 187 obtain pardon for him?’ But they ignored their father’s plea; for the Lord was resolved that they should die.” 2 Sam. 5:12 “Thus David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingship for the sake of His people Israel.” The narrator interrupts the text, giving the reader insight into David’s thoughts and explains the significance of building the palace. The narrator also explains that David became king for the sake of the people of Israel, giving a higher purpose to his rule. 2 Sam. 17:14 “Absalom and all Israel agreed that the advice of Hushai the Archite was better than that of Ahithophel.—The Lord had decreed that Ahithophel’s sound advice be nullified, in order that the Lord might bring ruin upon Absalom.” The Lord subverts Ahithophel’s counsel in spite of his reputation (2 Sam. 16:23) much as the divine subverts characterization in other stories. The Lord intervenes to ensure that David will survive and Absalom will fail. 1 Kgs. 3:2-4 2“The people, however, continued to...