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Beyond Analysis Of The Book ' Beyond The River Chebar ' Essay

Decent Essays

Beyond the River Chebar
Young Hoon (John) Kim
This book, Beyond the River Chebar, is a collection of articles that talks about the kingship and eschatology in Ezekiel. Block wants to show the proper interpretation of the book of Ezekiel by providing different views on the interpretation of certain passages and different theological views. Moreover, Block provides history and other aspects for the better understanding of the book of Ezekiel.
Daniel Block starts by introducing Zion theology. Zion theology is the Israelites’ religious attitude toward Jerusalem. Scholars recognize some Israelites’ thoughts regarding to the Zion Theology. First, since worshipping of Yahweh at the national temple in Jerusalem, the Israelites thought that the deity’s enthronement is a central feature. Second, since the Location of the temple is on the “peak of Zaphon,” they assume that Zion is the center of the universe. Last, The election of Zion by YHWH is closely tied to the election of David. From Zion Yahweh’s reign of peace and justice extends to the entire world.
Additionally, Yahweh’s kingship, which is the one of the core aspects of the Zion Theology, has poor evidences in Ezekiel’s ministry. The word “malak” has been used to refer to Yahweh once (Ezek. 20:33). However, the context does not provide any element that has to do with the enthronement of Yahweh.
In second chapter, the author deals with the royal ideology in Ezekiel. Block briefly talks about the history of Israel’s monarchy

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