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Reading law : the rhetorical shaping of the Pentateuch / James W. Watts

Author
Watts, James W. (James Washington), 1960-
Additional Titles
Rhetorical shaping of the Pentateuch
Published
Sheffield : Sheffield Academic Press, [1999]
Copyright Date
©1999
Physical Description
1 online resource (189 pages).
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Contents
Acknowledgments; Abbreviations; Introduction; Chapter 1 READING; Chapter 2 RHETORIC; Chapter 3 INSTRUCTION; Chapter 4 COMMANDMENT; Chapter 5 LAW; Postscript on Rhetorical Ethics; Bibliography; Index of References; Index of Authors; Index of Selected Topics.
Summary
Watts here argues that conventions of oral rhetoric were adapted to shape the literary form and contents of the Pentateuch. The large-scale structure-stories introducing lists of laws that conclude with divine sanctions-reproduces a common ancient strategy for persuasion. The laws' use of direct address, historical motivations and frequent repetitions serve rhetorical ends, and even the legal contradictions seem designed to appeal to competing constituencies. The instructional speeches of God and Moses reinforce the persuasive appeal by characterizing God as a just ruler and Moses as a faithfu.
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ISBN
9780567193339 (electronic bk.)
0567193330 (electronic bk.)
Bibliography Note
Includes bibliographical references (pages 168-178) and index.
View MARC record | catkey: 43335544