Interpreting Habakkuk as Scripture: An Application of the Canonical Approach of Brevard S. Childs (Studies in Biblical Literature)

This book draws together two current issues in Old Testament study: canonical analysis and the minor prophets. G. Michael O’Neal applies the canonical approach of Brevard S. Childs to the book of Habakkuk, resulting not only in an evaluation of Childs’s method, but also providing new insights into the canonical shape and theological message of Habakkuk. The findings of textual, historical, literary, formal, and redactional criticisms inform the study. However, O’Neal goes beyond these findings to ascertain the canonical shape of Habakkuk and to illustrate how this shape informs an understanding of the book’s theological message. Interpreting Habakkuk as Scripture: An Application of the Canonical Approach of Brevard S. Childs 4 Contents 6 List of Tables 10 Editor’s Preface 12 Preface 14 Acknowledgments 16 List of Abbreviations 18 1 Introduction 20 Statement of the Problem 22 Methodology 23 2 The Canonical Approach of Brevard Childs 26 An Overview of Childs’ Approach 27 Childs’ Approach Applied to Exodus 2:11–25 33 Observations 41 Childs’ Approach to Habakkuk 42 Conclusion 48 3 Text-Critical Translation of Habakkuk 52 A Canonical Approach to Textual Criticism 52 Translation and Notes 55 Superscription (1:1) 55 First Complaint (1:2–4) 56 Divine Response (1:5–11) 56 Second Complaint (1:12–17) 58 The Vision (2:1–4) 59 Woe Imprecations (2:5–20) 61 Prayer (3:1–15) 63 Concluding Praise (3:16–19) 66 Observations 67 Conclusion 70 4 Habakkuk in Contemporary Critical Interpretation 72 The Inadequacy of Historical-Critical Scholarship 72 Literary Criticism 77 Structure 78 Content of the Vision 78 Parameters of the Imprecatory Section 79 Unity 79 Historical Criticism 80 The Identity of the Wicked and the Role of the Chaldeans 80 The Identity of the Oppressor in 2:6–20 84 The Setting of the Prophecy 85 Form Criticism 86 The Lament Structure of 1:2–2:4 86 The Woe Oracles of 2:6–20 88 The Hymn of Habakkuk 3 89 The Supersciptions 90 Redaction Criticism 92 Conclusions 93 5 The Canonical Shape of Habakkuk 96 Structural Overview of the Book 97 The Oracle of Habakkuk (1:1–2:20) 98 Superscription (1:1) 98 Complaint (1:2–4) 99 Divine Response (1:5–11) 102 Second Complaint (1:12–17) 107 Vision (2:1–4) 110 Woe Imprecations (2:5–20) 120 The Prayer of Habakkuk (3:1–19) 129 Superscription (3:1) 129 Petition (3:2) 130 Theophany (3:3–15) 132 Vow of Praise (3:16–19abc) 137 Concluding Liturgical Note (3:19d) 140 Preliminary Evaluation of Childs’ Approach to Habakkuk 143 Combination of Traditional Forms 144 Autobiographical Framework 147 Condensed Chronology 150 Ability to Solve Historical-Critical Difficulties 152 Conclusion 153 6 Habakkuk in the Book of the Twelve 156 Habakkuk and the Message of the Book of the Twelve 156 Habakkuk and Nahum 160 Conclusion 163 7 Theological and Hermeneutical Implications 164 Evaluation of Childs’ Theological Conclusions 164 The Theological Message of the Canonical Shape of Habakkuk 167 Conclusion 169 8 Conclusion 170 Notes 174 1. Introduction 174 2. The Canonical Approach of Brevard Childs 174 3. Text-Critical Translation of Habakkuk 176 4. Habakkuk in Contemporary Critical Interpretation 179 5. The Canonical Shape of Habakkuk 184 6. Habakkuk in the Book of the Twelve 188 7. Theological and Hermeneutical Implications 188 Bibliography 190 Books 190 Periodicals 194 Unpublished Works 196 Unpublished Works 196 Author Index 198 Scripture Index 202 Subject Index 204 Back Matter 208 1. Introduction -- 2. Canonical Approach Of Brevard Childs -- 3. Text-critical Translation Of Habakkuk -- 4. Habakkuk In Contemporary Critical Interpretation -- 5. Canonical Shape Of Habakkuk -- 6. Habakkuk In The Book Of The Twelve -- 7. Theological And Hermeneutical Implications -- 8. Conclusion. G. Michael O'neal. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [171]-177) And Indexes.