Aram as the enemy friend : The ideological role of Aram in the composition of Genesis - 2 Kings

• The present study deals with the ideological role of Aram according to their representation in Genesis-2 Kings. This investigation shows that the functions and picture of Aram are more often positive than not. Genesis establishes the kinship between Aram and Israel, the patriarchs being obviously Arameans. This concept serves as a background and legitimizes the description of Aram in the subsequent accounts. One may first observe the Aramean absence in Joshua. They are so to speak not needed in the context of the fulfillment. The conditions are different in Judges through to 2 Kings. The Arameans appear at thecrucial and pivotal situations of Israel/Judah. Similar to the other nations, they too have the function of the instrument that is present to effect the will of YHWH. Moreover, they have yet another function which distinguishes them, i.e. that of the confederated instrument. Aramean groups or individuals play the role of close collaborators to Elijah/Elisha and Jehu. They appear in these cases in order to effect YHWH's punishment on Israel, but they are never allowed to annihilate her. Aram, Israel's old and unconquered antagonist deserves therefore the epithet Enemy Friend.

Subject headings

HUMANIORA  -- Filosofi, etik och religion -- Religionsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

HUMANITIES  -- Philosophy, Ethics and Religion -- Religious Studies (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Religion

Aram

Aram-Damascus

Aram-Zobah

Balaam

Ben-hadad

composition

Cushan-rishathaim

Davidic Empire

deuteronomistic history

Deuteronomy

double redaction hypothesis

Genesis

Hadadezer

Hazael

ideology

ideological

instrument

Judges

1 and 2 Kings

kinship

Laban

Naaman

Numbers

redaction criticism

Rezin

Rezon

1 and 2 Samuel

Religionsvetenskap/Teologi

Religion/Theology

Religionsvetenskap/Teologi

gamla testamentets exegetik

Old Testament Exegesis

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

dok (subject category)