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Theology of Blindness in the Hebrew Scriptures

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Theology of Blindness in the Hebrew Scriptures Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertations Graduate Research 2010 Theology of Blindness in the Hebrew Scriptures Ray McAllister Andrews University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, and the Near Eastern Languages and Societies Commons Recommended Citation McAllister, Ray, "Theology of Blindness in the Hebrew Scriptures" (2010). Dissertations. 89. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/89 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in the Andrews University Digital Library of Dissertations and Theses. Please honor the copyright of this document by not duplicating or distributing additional copies in any form without the author’s express written permission. Thanks for your cooperation. ABSTRACT THEOLOGY OF BLINDNESS IN THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES by Ray W. McAllister Adviser: Jacques B. Doukhan ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: THEOLOGY OF BLINDNESS IN THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES Name of researcher: Ray W. McAllister Name and degree of faculty adviser: Jacques B. Doukhan, Ph.D. Date completed: May 2010 Problem A number of passages in the Hebrew Scriptures discuss blindness. Scholars have studied them individually, but not with a view to developing a theology of blindness. The purpose of the present dissertation, then, is to analyze theological implications of blindness in the Hebrew Scriptures systematically. Methodology This dissertation systematically analyzes blindness in the Hebrew Scriptures against their ancient Near Eastern background. The study looks at cultic implications, causation, social justice, healing, and social and religious meanings of blindness. Both physical and metaphorical aspects of blindness are examined. First, blindness in the ancient Near East is considered, with emphasis on Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Hittite Anatolia. Next, Hebrew words associated with blindness are investigated. Then, in the next three chapters, respectively, each passage discussing blindness in the three portions of the Hebrew Bible (Torah, Prophets, and Writings) is examined. The focus is on translation and exegesis of each passage, with synthesis of the findings at the end of the chapter. The final chapter presents a general synthesis of the topic, setting forth theological conclusions regarding blindness in the Hebrew Scriptures. Results and Conclusions In the Hebrew Scriptures, blindness is described as a most devastating condition, especially when compared with other physical disabilities. In relation to the ritual system, blindness could be a blemish, disqualifying a priest from officiating and an animal from serving as an offering. Whether caused by old age or an act of divine or human agencies, blindness was an undesirable deviation from God's original design at creation. Concerning social justice, the Hebrew Bible places right treatment of the blind in the context of true holiness. Other ancient Near Eastern cultures, if addressing the topic at all, simply mention right treatment of the blind in wisdom literature as an act of good conduct. In the Hebrew Bible, physical blindness carries meanings of weakness and imperfection. Metaphorically, blindness could represent lack of mental or spiritual insight. Nearly all types of blindness could be associated with the consequences of rebellion. It is recognized that complete reversal of blindness would never be fully realized until the Messianic era. Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary THEOLOGY OF BLINDNESS IN THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy by Ray W. McAllister May 2010 © Copyright by Ray W. McAllister 2010 All Rights Reserved THEOLOGY OF BLINDNESS IN HEBREW SCRIPTURES A dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy by Ray W. McAllister APPROVAL BY THE COMMITTEE: Faculty Adviser, Director, Ph.D,/Th.D. Program Jacques B. Doukhan Rudi Maier Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Exegesis Richard M. Davidson Dean, SDA Theological Seminary J. N. Andrews Professor of Old Testament Denis Fortin Interpretation Roy E. Gane Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages Paul B. Petersen Professor of Hebrew Bible Esther Menn Date approved Professor of Old Testament Studies and Director of Advanced Studies Lutheran School of Theology Dedication The dedication shown by my wife, Sally Ann, in spending hundreds of hours reading technical literature to me, driving me to and from committee meetings, and providing constant emotional support most definitely warrants my dedication of this dissertation to her. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES . xix ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . xx Chapter I. INTRODUCTION . 1 Background to the Problem . 1 Statement of the Problem . 2 Statement of Purpose . 3 Justification . 3 Scope and Delimitations . 4 Organization of Study . 5 II. ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN PARALLELS . 8 Blindness in Ancient Egypt . 8 Mythology and Religion . 9 The Wounded Eye . 9 Harpists . 12 Causes of Blindness . 15 Blindness and Old Age . 15 Blindness as a Curse or Divine Punishment . 15 Social Justice . 18 Didactic Literature . 18 The Blind and Employment . 19 Reversal of Blindness . 19 Visiting the Doctor . 19 Magical Healing . 21 Meanings of Blindness . 23 Physical Blindness . 23 Figurative Blindness . 25 Blindness of Failing to Act . 25 Blindness of Fear . 25 Blindness of Ignorance . 26 Blindness as a Term of Disgrace . 26 Summary . 27 Blindness in Ancient Mesopotamia . 27 iv Mythology and Cultus . 28 Mythology . 28 Enki and the Creation of the Blind . 28 Eye Disease in the Descent of Ishtar to the Underworld . 30 Cultus and Ritual . 30 Causes of Blindness . 33 Blindness as a State Punishment . 33 Blinding Prisoners of War . 34 Blindness as a Curse or Divine Punishment . 34 Social Justice . 37 Law Collections . 37 Law Codes before Hammurabi . 37 The Hammurabi Laws . 38 Welfare Systems . 41 Recipients of Barley Rations . 41 The Arua Institution . 42 Boundary Stones . 42 Reversal of Blindness . 45 Meanings of Blindness . 47 Omen Texts . 47 Birth Omens Concerning Blindness in Both Eyes . 48 Birth Omens Concerning Blindness in One Eye . 49 Blindness in City Omens . 50 Ignorance and Immaturity . 50 Summary . 51 Blindness in Ancient Hittite Anatolia . 52 Mythology . 52 Causes of Blindness . 53 Blindness as a State Punishment . 53 Blinding Prisoners of War . 55 Blindness as a Curse . 57 Social Justice in Law Codes . 58 Reversal of Blindness . 59 Meanings of Blindness . 60 Blindness as Immature Innocence . 60 Blindness as Weakness . 60 Summary . 61 Summary of Blindness in the Ancient Near-East . 61 III. BIBLICAL HEBREW WORD STUDIES . 63 Terminology for Blindness . 63 rw[ and Related Forms . 64 Semitic Cognates . 64 Biblical Usage . 64 rw[ . 64 v tr,W<[; and !ArW"[i . 64 rWE[i . 65 rWE[I Used By Itself . 65 rWE[I in the Context of Other Disabilities . 67 Statistical Analysis of Word Use Frequencies . 71 ~yrIwEn>s; . 74 Semitic Cognates . 74 Biblical Usage . 75 hhk . ..
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