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This monograph presents a challenge to the view that the Hebrew Bible contains allusions to Yahweh’s battle with chaos, showing how the term has been inappropriately applied in a range of contexts where far more diverse spheres of imagery should instead be recognised. Through the construction of a careful diachronic model (developed with particular reference to the Psalter), the author presents a persuasive case for reversing common assumptions about the development of Israelite religion, finding instead that the combat motif was absent in the earliest period, whilst the slaying of a dragon was attributed to Yahweh only in a distinctive monotheistic adaptation, which arose from around 587 B.C.
Revised doctoral dissertation under the supervision of Dr Paul M. Joyce at the University of Oxford, 2001. Rebecca S. Watson was Lecturer in Biblical Studies at St Martin’s College Lancaster and Senior Tutor for the Carlisle and Blackburn Diocesan Training Institute, Carlisle, UK before returning to Oxford in 2003.
I. Introduction · II. The Theme of “Chaos” in the Psalter: The State of the Question · III. Archaic Hebrew Poetry: Psalms 29, 68 and 114 · IV. Individual Laments, Royal Laments and Related Thanksgiving Psalms: Psalms 18, 32, 42-43, 69, 88, 124 and 144 · V. Songs Relating to the Protection of Zion: Psalms 93, 24, 46 and 65 · VI. National Laments: Psalms 77, 74, 89 (with 87) and 44 · VII. Songs of Universal Praise: Psalms 96, 98, 148 and 135 · VIII. The Creation of “Chaos” in the Psalter? Psalms 24, 95, 146, 148, 136, 33 and 104 · IX. The Crossing of Yam Suph: Psalms 78, 106 and 136 · X. The Theme of “Chaos” in the Psalter: Summary of Results · XI. The Theme of “Chaos” in the Wider Old Testament · XII. Conclusion