The legislative themes of centralization
Subtitle: from mandate to demise
By: Jeffrey G. Audirsch
Publisher: Pickwick Publications
Published: 2014
Place of publication: Eugene, Oregon
Language: eng
Number of pages: 224
ISBN-13: 9781620320389
Subjects: Criticism, interpretation; Bible; Law (Theology); Biblical teaching; Theology
Description: "The centralization of the cult mandate in Deuteronomy has captivated scholars for over two centuries. Related to this mandate are five legislative themes--abrogation of idolatry, tithing, the Israelite festival calendar, judiciary officials, and the priesthood. Collectively, these themes are interwoven into the Deuteronomic social, political, and religious infrastructure. Interpreted through an exilic lens, this study examines the themes through the relevant literary strata in the Enneateuch. In doing so, the themes are identified as playing an instrumental role in the demise of the divided monarchy. It is through the demise of the divided monarchy that the book of Deuteronomy, especially the centralization mandate, takes on a new meaning--a utopian desire. Thus, the rhetorical strategy of centralization, once contrived to unify and purify the cult, actually leads to failure and serves as motivation for reform during the exilic period."--Publisher
Notes: Revision of author's thesis (Ph. D.)--New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 2010 under title From Tetrateuch to Enneateuch : a reassessment of the Deuteronomic concept of centralization.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 187-207) and index.
Table of contents: title: Introduction; title: Excursus: Methodological considerations; title: Approaching the concept of centralization; title: The abrogation of idolatry; title: The Israelite concept of tithing; title: The Israelite festivals; title: The judiciary officials; title: Priesthood in Israel; title: Centralization and the integrated methodology; title: Conclusion.