Commentary on the Books of Ezra/Nehemiah
Prof. Dr. Maria Häusl writes the "Scientific Commentary on the Books of Ezra / Nehemiah for the commentary series Herder's theological Commentary on the Old Testament." The aim is to work out the theological profile of the Books of Ezra / Nehemiah and the statements on the identity construction of Israel in post-exilic times.
A discussion about different criteria of belonging can be identified. The naturally presumed dwellings in the eastern diaspora and in Judah show that a common habitat as a criterion of belonging is abandoned. On the other hand, the common geographical origin from Judah is underlined. The Eastern Diaspora, with its exile experience and its shared commitment to the temple and the city of Jerusalem, is part of the history of Israel. The lists of persons emphasise the importance of registration and the division into cultic and family units. The mightiness of YHWH, which can be experienced in the history, the Torah as the basis for decisions of action, but also the political power that is present in the edicts of the Persian kings serve as justification resources for the identity criteria.
The Books of Ezra / Nehemiah are polyphonic, not the least due to their literary history and the linguistic forms used. However, they are connected by a well considered overall structure and various thematic and motivic references.
The project was funded by the DFG with EUR 70,000.
Link to the scientific conference:"'Denkt nicht mehr an das Frühere!' - Begründungsressourcen in Esra/Nehemia und Jes 40-66 im Vergleich." 2016