Abstract
This article adduces Akkadian idioms to explain three formulations in 2 Kgs 17:9-11 which differ from the standard Deuteronomistic phraseology employed in 2 Kgs 17:7-23. The awkward Hebrew phrase is interpreted as a loan from Akkadian hepû + dibbu = "to break an agreement", the following expression compared with the Akkadian dibbu ša la kinnu = "disloyal talk", and the ending of v. 11 understood in the light of an Akkadian idiom. On this analysis, vv. 9-11 appear to be composed of two strata, the original core-composed during the Neo-Assyrian period-and a later Deuteronomistic redaction which reinterpreted the initial text. The former can be understood as a very early theological response to the destruction of Samaria and Assyrian imperial claims regarding its fall which utilizes Neo-Assyrian covenantal terminology to describe the relationship between the God of Israel and His people.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 393-407 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Vetus Testamentum |
| Volume | 63 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2013 |
Keywords
- Akkadian loans
- Deuteronomistic redaction
- Hebrew Bible
- Kings
- Neo-Assyrian Empire
- Samaria