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Don't shoot the messenger: reading Malachi in light of ancient Persian royal messengers in the time of Xerxes

Fox, R. Michael
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Publisher
Fort Worth, Tex. : [Texas Christian University],
Date
2014
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Abstract
Malachi contains a substantial amount of messenger language, imagery, and vocabulary. When one uses a reconstruction of ancient Persian royal messengers to construct an interpretive lens for reading the text, it becomes apparent that Malachi exhibits a root messenger metaphor from whence the many individual metaphors and decorations derive. This presentation of the book suggests that Malachi's historical context is the early reign of Xerxes, a time when the Persian emperor was constantly sending royal heralds throughout the known world. Malachi's form is best seen as a royal message (from YHWH, the Great King).
Contents
Subject
Subject(s)
Xerxes I, King of Persia, 519 B.C.-465 B.C. or 464 B.C.
Bible. Criticism, interpretation, etc.
Messengers.
Metaphor in the Bible.
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Genre
Dissertation
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Department
Brite Divinity School
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