Brotherhood and Inheritance A Canonical Reading of the Esau and Edom Traditions

by Anderson, Bradford A.

• ISBN13: 9780567103819
• ISBN10: 0567103811
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2014-01-16
• Publisher: Bloomsbury T & T Clark

Summary

This study offers a canonical reading of the Esau and Edom traditions, examining the portrayal of Esau and Edom in Genesis, Deuteronomy, and the prophetic material. First, it is argued that the depiction of Esau and his descendants in Genesis and Deuteronomy is, on the whole, positive. Second, it is put forward that Edom is portrayed negatively by the prophets for violating their kin, and for disrespecting the divine apportioning of the lands. Finally, it is suggested that these traditions have resonance with one another based on recurring literary and theological motifs, heuristically framed as brotherhood and inheritance.

Author Biography

Bradford A. Anderson (PhD, Durham University) is Tutor in Religious Studies at Mater Dei Institute of Education, a college of Dublin City University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 2 - Esau and Edom in the History of Biblical Interpretation
Chapter 3 - Beginnings: Oracle, Birth and Birthright (Genesis 25:19-34)
Chapter 4 - Genesis 27: The Blessing of Jacob and Esau
Chapter 5 - Genesis 32-33: The Reunion of Jacob and Esau
Chapter 6 - Genesis 36: The Genealogy of Esau
Chapter 7 - Esau in Genesis: Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 8 - Deuteronomy's Portrayal of the Sons of Esau and the Edomites
Chapter 9 - Edom in Obadiah and the Prophets
Chapter 10 - Esau and Edom in Malachi 1:2-5
Chapter 11 - Edom in the Prophetic Corpus: Summary and Conclusions
Chapter 12 - Conclusion: The Relationship of the Esau and Edom Traditions and the Implications for Election Theology
Bibliography