<<An>> ark on the Nile the beginning of the Book of Exodus

"An Ark on the Nile: The Beginning of the Book of Exodus is a close-reading of Exodus 1-2 that analyzes the story as a reasonably self-contained unit, but suggesting that major plot movements in the book of Exodus are foreshadowed and anticipated here. Applying a number of insights from literary theory, Keith Bodner offers an illustration of further integration of biblical studies with cross-disciplinary narrative interpretation." Read more... Abstract: This work offers a literary reading of the first two chapters of the Book of Exodus, demonstrating how they anticipate the plot and themes of the rest of the book as well as repeating motifs from Genesis. It argues that Exodus 1-2 is a powerful narrative and a striking example of the artistic qualities of the Pentateuch. Read more... The opening sector of the book of Exodus is a powerful narrative and a striking example of the artistic qualities of the Pentateuch, a facet of the text that occasionally is neglected in high-level scholarship. Exodus 1-2 is finely choreographed work that compresses a vast amount of material onto a limited textual canvas, creating a story that appeals to readers of every age. Resuming where the book of Genesis leaves off-the last image of Genesis 50 is a coffin in Egypt, primed for a sequel-the first two chapters of Exodus combine a fast-moving plot with some unique shades of characterization: Israel's growth in Egypt, the rise of a malevolent new king, the birth of a hero and early experiences of adversity for the main character in the story to come. The burden of slavery and miracle of salvation are introduced in this sector of text, and become paradigmatic examples of divine redemption that reverberate throughout the Hebrew Bible and beyond. An Ark on the Nile: The Beginning of the Book of Exodus is a close-reading of Exodus 1-2 that analyzes the story as a reasonably self-contained unit, but suggesting that major plot movements in the book of Exodus are foreshadowed and anticipated here. Applying a number of insights from literary theory, Keith Bodner offers an illustration of further integration of biblical studies with cross-disciplinary narrative interpretation. Cover 1 An Ark on the Nile: The Beginning of the Book of Exodus 4 Copyright 5 Table of Contents 6 Abbreviations 8 Introduction 10 Chapter 1: Images of Egypt in Genesis 26 Famine in Canaan 28 Other Refractions 32 From Adversity to Elevation 36 In Pharaoh ́s House 40 Concluding Data 46 Chapter 2: Old Promise, New King 49 The Book of Names 51 Nameless King 55 The King ́s Speech 59 Rise of the Taskmasters 65 CounterProductive 68 Chapter 3: Pharaoh ́s Midwife Crisis 73 Shifrah and Co. 75 Lethal Command 81 The Interrogation 85 Deceptive Counterparts 89 Reward and Recalcitrance 92 Chapter 4: The Waters of Chaos 98 Levite Family 100 Floating Sanctuary 102 Sister Act 109 The Princess of Egypt 116 Chapter 5: Criminal Charges 126 Growing Pains 129 Strike Out 132 Fraternal Strife 136 Murder Mystery, Part I 142 Murder Mystery, Part II 147 Near the Well 151 Chapter 6: The Stranger in Midian 155 The Group of Seven 156 Friend of the Family 164 The Next Generation 169 Shift in Perspective 176 Chapter 7: Exodus 1-2 and the Sojourn of Israel 183 Bibliography 196 Index 212 An Ark On The Nile: The Beginning Of The Book Of Exodus Is A Close-reading Of Exodus 1-2 That Analyzes The Story As A Reasonably Self-contained Unit, But Suggesting That Major Plot Movements In The Book Of Exodus Are Foreshadowed And Anticipated Here. Applying A Number Of Insights From Literary Theory, Keith Bodner Offers An Illustration Of Further Integration Of Biblical Studies With Cross-disciplinary Narrative Interpretation. Introduction -- Images Of Egypt In Genesis -- Old Promise, New King -- Pharoah's Midwife Crisis -- The Waters Of Chaos -- Criminal Charges -- The Stranger In Midian -- Exodus 1-2 And The Sojourn Of Israel. Keith Bodner. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 187-201) And Index.