Abstract
Scholarly treatments of Isa. 22.15-25 address the action by Shebna that led to his harsh punishment, the scope of the oracle, and the related question of the nature of the affinity between vv. 15-19 and 20-25. The reconsideration in this article suggests a different understanding of this passage. Based on terminological examination of the passage, comparison to Ezek. 43.6-9, and consideration of the realia of keys and their holders, this study suggests that Shebna's transgression can be identified as encroachment on Davidic and divine authority by undertaking to hew his tomb in close proximity to the Temple. It examines Shebna's position as second to the king, his transgression and punishment, the portrayal of the transfer of authority from Shebna to Eliakim, and the role of the image of the bolt-pin in this oracle.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 469-487 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Journal for the Study of the Old Testament |
| Volume | 39 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 6 Jun 2015 |
Keywords
- Davidic authority
- Shebna
- divine authority
- transgression
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Religious studies
RAMBI publications
- rambi
- Authority -- Biblical teaching
- Bible -- Isaiah -- XXII, 15-25 -- Criticism, interpretation, etc
- David -- King of Israel
- God -- Biblical teaching
- Punishment -- Biblical teaching
- Shebna -- (Biblical figure)
- Sin -- Biblical teaching