Volume 12, Issue 2, 2020
Articles published in the latest issue of Studia Biblica Slovaca
Not Only a Prophet: The Numerous Faces of Samuel
Daniela DE PANFILIS
volume 12, issue 2, 2020, pages 125-157
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDBBQ4891
Abstract
The biblical character of Samuel is a very complex one. Samuel, in fact, plays different roles on behalf of Israel: intercessor, priest, governing judge, guide (covenant keeper). He is also defined, even if not explicitly, nazir (1 Sam 1:11). His unique role in the history of Israel is that of kingmaker. At the end of the “childhood cycle” Samuel is presented explicitly as “prophet” by the narrator with a remark outside the story line. This presentation makes the character of Samuel similar to that of Moses. Few times the biblical tradition refers to the character of Samuel (1 Chr 6:12-13; 9:22; 11:13; 29:29; Ps 99:6; Jer 15:1; Sir 46:13-20; Acts 3:24; 13:20b-23; Heb 11:32b). The OT tradition highlights two different interpretative lines: the association with David, and the role of kingmaker, and the association with Moses, and the role of intercessor. The NT tradition also recalls the character of Samuel between David and Moses. Each reference to Samuel shows that the biblical tradition has caught the uniqueness of this character in the narrated history of Israel and his importance in the History of Salvation.
Law Terms in the Versions of Jeremiah
Johanna ERZBERGER
volume 12, issue 2, 2020, pages 157-178
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDCRA7760
Abstract
The present article analyzes the semantics of legal terms that JeremiahLXX uses as equivalents of the term הרות . These terms are examined in light of the semantics of the term הרות and of Hebrew terms with Greek equivalents that are elsewhere used as equivalents of הרות . While the use of legal terms in the first part of JeremiahLXX largely accords with JeremiahMT, the use of legal terms in the second part of JeremiahLXX differs significantly from JeremiahMT. The change of terminology in JeremiahLXX roughly accords with Tov’s hypothesis that the second part of JeremiahLXX was revised.
A Poem on Responsible Life and Death (Sir 40:28–41:4): A Poetic and Semantic Analysis
Pavel PRIHATNÝ
volume 12, issue 2, 2020, pages 179-197
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDFBD7111
Abstract
Poetic and semantic analysis of the poem on ‘Disgrace of Begging and Concerning Death’ (40:28–41:4) in the Book of Ben Sira, as its two parts are entitled for example by NRSV, and similarly also by Slovak translations, reveals beautiful presentation of its two topics and also poetic mastery of the author. Ben Sira’s concept of ‘life from gift’ (חַיֵּי מַתָּן), against which he warns, points rather to a reckless way of life. On the other hand, life lived responsibly makes a person capable of not fearing death. A revised title of the poem could read: ‘On Responsible Life and Death’.
Elijah among the Former Prophets in Hebrew Ben Sira 48:1-12
Jeremy CORLEY
volume 12, issue 2, 2020, pages 198-226
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDFFF5972
Abstract
Within Ben Sira’s Praise of the Ancestors, the poem on Elijah occurs in the middle of the Prophets Section (Sir 46:1–49:10). This section of 120 bicola, beginning with Joshua (46:1: “Moses’ servant in prophecy”) and ending with “the Twelve Prophets” (49:10), displays a canonical concern by referring in traditional sequence to Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve Prophets. The Hebrew poem on Elijah is framed with allusions to the last of the Minor Prophets, since Elijah is first described as one whose words were like “a burning furnace” (echoing Mal 3:19) and later depicted (“as it is written”) having the task “to bring back the heart of fathers towards sons” (echoing Mal 3:23-24). Drawing on the abundant references to fire in the Deuteronomistic narrative about the prophet
(1 Kgs 17–2 Kgs 2), Ben Sira aptly dubs him “a prophet like fire” (48:1), and in keeping with his prophetic role, Ben Sira emphasizes his connection with God’s word (v. 3). Thereafter, Ben Sira focuses on Elijah’s mighty deeds, ending with his ascent into heaven.
The Range and Significance of the References to Elijah in John's Gospel
Maurizio MARCHESELLI
volume 12, issue 2, 2020, pages 227-251
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDFMF7334
Abstract
Elijah is mentioned twice in John’s Gospel (John 1:21a and 1:25), and only in the context of the first day of the narrative (1:19-28). He is found exclusively in company with two other figures: “the Christ” and “the prophet”. The article aims to demonstrate that on the lips of John the Baptist, this trio is meant to provide a first, although indirect, description of Israel’s Studia Biblica Slovaca Maurizio Marcheselli 251 messiah. However, in the johannine view, Jesus’ portrait as the Christ, the Elijah redivivus, and the prophet like Moses – although not wrong – is insufficient. Carefully observing how the fourth evangelist structures John the Baptist’s testimony to the messiah of Israel in 1:1923, this contribution shows that the identification of Jesus with Elijah – but also with the Christ and the prophet – cries out to be clarified and surpassed by the use of the title kyrios (1:23), a term the Greek Bible of Israel uses to translate the divine tetragrammaton.
Prophet and Remnant, Crisis and Renewal: Paul’s Use of the Elijah Story in Romans 11
Levente BALÁZS MARTOS
volume 12, issue 2, 2020, pages 252-265
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDFMN7273
Abstract
The story of Elijah in 1 Kgs 19 is regarded often as a biblical paradigm of crisis and burn out,
and this not without reason. Is it possible that Saint Paul too was influenced by a similar way
of thinking, when he quoted the lament of Elijah and the answer of God in his Letter to the
Romans? I would like to answer this question by showing how the story of Elijah is about
the solution of a crisis and how there are parallels in the way Paul uses the story. It seems
that we face a double parallelism between the two stories. The crisis is developed in both cases primarily on a communitarian level and first needs a communitarian solution. But on a second level, personal change plays role in both cases. In 1 Kgs 19 Elisha replaces Elijah as a prophet and, seen in the context of Rom 9–11, Paul also expresses his very personal lament, thus offering a model for his Roman readers.
Elijah in the Letter of James
Július PAVELČÍK
volume 12, issue 2, 2020, pages 266-306
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDFRH9385
Abstract
In the Letter of James 5:17-18, the prophet Elijah is presented as an example of the righteous man who had the capability to effectively influence the natural processes through his prayer. This article offers some exegetical notes to the segments of the Letter of James that are relevant for the interpretation of the figure of Elijah, with special attention not only to the characteristics of Elijah’s prayer but also to the possible eschatological connotations of this prophet, who may serve as a model of renewal of relationships with God and with one another in time before the Lord’s final coming.
Jerome and the Jewish Traditions
Frédéric MANNS
volume 12, issue 2, 2020, pages 307-311
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDFSX9640
Abstract
The recent letters of the Biblical Commission recommend the use of the Jewish reading of the Scriptures. It is nothing new but a return to an ancient tradition. Origen and Jerome used such a method while adding a christological perspective. Here are some examples from Jerome to illustrate this.
Biblica 100 (2019)
Jaroslav MUDROŇ
volume 12, issue 2, 2020, pages 312-315
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDFTQ7230
Šútor, Lukáš (ed.): Text in Contexts: Text in Interdisciplinary Interpretations, Košice: Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 2018. 309 pp. ISBN 978-80-8152-594-0.
Michal MALIŠ
volume 12, issue 2, 2020, pages 316-324
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDHFP8604
International Scientific Conference “He Opened the Scriptures to Us” in Košice, 30 September 2020
Matúš IMRICH
volume 12, issue 2, 2020, pages 325-327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDHZA5865
Nomination for the Jozef Búda Prize 2019–2020
REDAKCIA
volume 12, issue 2, 2020, page 327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDJBV8654