Seeking a Homeland: Sojourn and Ethnic Identity in the Ancestral Narratives of Genesis (Biblical Interpretation Series, 106)

Sojourn is a Leitwort in the ancestral narratives of Genesis, repeatedly accentuated as an important descriptor of the patriarchs¿́¿ identity and experience. This study shows that despite its connotations of alienation, sojourn language in Genesis contributes to a strong communal identity for biblical Israel. An innovative application of Anthony D. Smith¿́¿s theory of ethnic myth utilizes the categories of ethnoscape, election, and communal ethics as analytical tools in the investigation of the Genesis sojourn texts. Close exegetical treatment reveals sojourn to strengthen Israel¿́¿s ethnic identity in ways that are varied and at times paradoxical. Its very complexity, however, makes it particularly useful as a resource for group identity at times when straightforward categories of territorial and social affiliation may fail Contents ......Page 8 Acknowledgements......Page 10 Abbreviations......Page 12 Introduction: A Place for Sojourn......Page 16 Parameters and Method......Page 19 Related Works......Page 25 1. Theoretical Tools: Anthony D. Smith......Page 36 Ethno-Symbolism......Page 37 Ethnic Myth......Page 45 Election......Page 48 Territoriality......Page 50 Sojourn and Ethnic Myth......Page 53 2. Mapping an Ethnoscape: Sojourn in the Itinerary Notices......Page 56 Sojourn in Egypt (12:10)......Page 62 Sojourn in Gerar (20:1; 21:34)......Page 75 Sojourn in Paddan-aram (36:27; 36:7; 37:1)......Page 81 Conclusions......Page 89 3. Bolstering Ethnic Election: Sojourn in the Promise Speeches......Page 92 Genesis 15:13......Page 93 Genesis 17:8......Page 103 Genesis 26:3......Page 113 Genesis 28:4......Page 135 Conclusions......Page 153 4. Constructing Relational Ethics: Sojourn in the Dialogues......Page 156 Genesis 19:9......Page 157 Genesis 21:23......Page 186 Genesis 23:4......Page 203 Genesis 32:5......Page 215 Genesis 47: 4, 9......Page 232 Conclusions......Page 245 5. Conclusions: Journeying On......Page 248 Trajectories for Reflection......Page 253 Bibliography......Page 258 Index of Names......Page 272 Index of Subjects......Page 278 This book illuminates sojourn language in Genesis using an innovative application of sociological theory about ethnic myths. Close exegetical investigation reveals that sojourn, despite its connotations of alienation, is a significant contributor to a strong communal identity for biblical Israel.