A pluriform analysis of Numbers 10.11-14.45

Abstract

This study analyzes the text of Numbers 10.11-14.45 in its pluriform state. A synchronous approach, using narratology, intertextuality and rhetorical criticism, are combined with a diachronic and comparative analysis. Numbers 10.11-14.45 was
chosen for this study for several reasons. First, the pericope as a whole has been very difficult to analyze using the traditional historical-critical methodologies of source criticism, redaction criticism and the history of traditions. Scholarly consensus bas not been reached on many issues. Second, Numbers 10.11-14.45 is very rich in genre and thematic content, conflated in such a way as to give the different textual trajectories the possibility for exegetical emendations. Third, the pericope is also rich in theological content, which has been interpreted intertextually. The different textual trajectories have occasion to interact with these theological elements or as in some of the rewritten texts, to delete them altogether. This gives opportunity for an analysis of these tendencies. Finally, although witnesses to all textual trajectories are not available for every verse, in every era studied, a sampling of the varied materials is extant. This allows for a glimpse into the era of pluriform textual witnesses, from 300 B.C.E. to 100 C.E.
The study first looks at the phenomenon of pluriformity, followed by a summary of the synchronous literary methodologies that are used in the investigation. The heart of the study then commences with a delimitation of the biblical unit to be studied, followed by a detail ed analysis of Numbers I 0.11-14.45 using synchronic methodologies.

Date of Award	17 Dec 2009
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Wales, Bangor
Supervisor	Eryl W Davies (Supervisor)