Day in Mamre Night in Sodom: Abraham and Lot in Genesis 18 and 19 (Biblical Interpretation, Vol 10)

Recent developments in Pentateuchal studies - from both diachronic (historical) and synchronic (literary-textual) perspectives - have made it possible to read Genesis 18 and 19, the evocative story of Abraham and Lot, in a new light. This work uses both types of approach to examine the text, (1) considered in its own terms - its structural and linguistic features, in a detailed close reading of each verse - and (2) considered in terms of its symbolism and imagery in relation to those found in comparable cultures of the ancient Middle East. The end product is an integrated reading of the Abraham and Lot story as a sustained literary unit, and the reading process demonstrates the value of a range of exegetical methods - structuralist, linguistic, literary, historical and anthropological - in the continuing exploration of this well-known biblical narrative Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Acknowledgements Preface Abbreviations Chapter One. Introduction A. Recent Developments in Pentateuchal Studies B. Methodological Approaches to the Study of Scripture C. Genesis 18–19 as the Subject of Diachronic and Synchronic Study 1. Diachronic Approaches 2. Synchronic Approaches D. Methodological Intentions Chapter Two. The Structure of Genesis 18 and 19 A. The Delimitation of the Text B. The Construction of the Story C. The Deep Structure of Genesis 18–19 D. Models of Structuration Chapter Three. The Language of Genesis 18 and 19 A. Narrative and Language B. A Close Reading of Genesis 18–19 Scene One: The Visit to Mamre Scene Two: YHWH’S Soliloquy and the Dialogue with Abraham Scene Three: The Messengers Visit Sodom Scene Four: The Overthrow of Sodom Scene Five: Lot and His Daughters in the Cave Chapter Four. The Symbolic Substratum of Genesis 18 and 19 A. Introduction B. Folklore Elements in Genesis 18 and 19: Plot Motifs, Traditional Episodes and Archetypal Patterns C. Conclusion: An Integrated Reading of the Symbolic Substratum of Genesis 18–19 Map Postlude Bibliography Index A. Register of Authors and Scholars B. Register of Biblical References C. Register of Ancient, Classical, Intertestamental and Rabbinical References D. Register of Characters, Themes, Motifs and Symbols E. Register of Principal Hebrew Words and Phrases This work surveys the field of Pentateuchal studies, and using both diachronic and synchronic approaches, investigates Genesis 18 and 19 in terms of the structure, language and symbolism of the text, and the effectiveness of its literary integration. By Robert Ignatius Letellier. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [257]-273) And Indexes.