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Dual Functions of Manasseh's Sin (2 Kings 21: 1-18) in the Deuteronomistic History

Seokgyu Jung 1

1한영신학대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This is an exegetical paper on the final form of 2 Kings 21: 1-18. This paper attempts to expose the freedom of YHWH in punishing against His people as well as the theological justification for the destruction of Jerusalem by YHWH based upon Manasseh's sins as the double theological intentions of the final form of 2 Kings 21: 1-18. In order to disclose the intentions of the text, this paper examines the final form of the text by a synchronic approach rather than a diachronic approach. First, this paper analyzes the structure and texture of the final form of the texts. The extant form of 2 Kings 21: 1-18 is portrayed in the rhetorical scheme of inclusio of the typical regnal introduction(21: 1) and the concluding regnal resume(21: 17-18). In this outer framework, the main block concerning the reign of Manasseh(21: 2-16) is described in terms of a five-part concentric design as follows: a. Explanation of Manasseh's sins(21: 2-9)b. Cause for YHWH's punishment(21: 11)c. YHWH's announcement of punishment(21: 12-14)b'. Cause for YHWH's punishment(21: 15)a'. Explanation of Manasseh's additional sins(21: 16). This concentric structure shows theological function of Manasseh's sins as the cause for YHWH's punishment against Judah as well as the final form of 2 Kings 21: 1-18 as a legitimate unified literary unit. Second, this paper shows a close relationship between YHWH's punishments against Samaria and against Judah by comparing the sins of Manasseh with those of Ahab and Samaria. This relationship shows that the reference of Manasseh's sins is intended to reveal theological justification for the destruction of Jerusalem by YHWH. Third, this paper tries to expose an another function of the final form of the text by comparing Manasseh's sins with the reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah. In relation to the reforms of King Hezekiah and King Josiah of Judah, Manasseh's sins depicted in the final text of 2 Kings 21: 1-18 are intended to show YHWH's sovereignty or the freedom of God in destroying Jerusalem and Judah and reneging the eternal promise to the house of David(cf. 2 Sam 7: 12-16). The reason why Manasseh's sins, which nullify the reform of the formal king Hezekiah(2 Kings 18-20), cannot be nullified by the righteous reform of the latter king Josiah(2 Kings 22-23) is that YHWH freely made the decision to punish against Jerusalem. Therefore, the narrative of Manasseh's sins in 2 Kings 21: 1-18 functions to expose the freedom of God in punishing against His people as well as theological justification for the destruction of Judah by YHWH.

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