Gert Prinsloo is professor emeritus in Biblical Hebrew grammar and Biblical Hebrew literature and other Ancient Near Eastern languages and literature (Akkadian, Aramaic, Arabic, Ugaritic) in the Department of Ancient and Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Pretoria. He takes his theoretical point of departure in Yuri Lotman's Cultural Semiotics and is especially interested in the intertwined role of intra-, inter-, and extratextual analysis in the interpretation of Ancient Near Eastern literature. For the past number of years his research focused on inner-biblical exegesis in the Book of Psalms and the Book of the Twelve and in critical-spatial readings of Ancient Near Eastern texts in general and the Psalter and the Book of the Twelve in particular. Address: Department of Ancient Languages
University of Pretoria
0002 PRETORIA
South Africa
Psalm 5 is one of the less known psalms. Yet, it is an extraordinary poem. The most conspicuous c... more Psalm 5 is one of the less known psalms. Yet, it is an extraordinary poem. The most conspicuous characteristic of Psalm 5 is the tension between Yahweh, the righteous and the wicked. This tension is skilfully expressed in the poetic structure of the psalm, where strophes concerning the relationship between Yahweh and the righteous on the one hand and Yahweh and the wicked on the other hand, appear in juxtaposition. Tension is created between the three role players. The aim of this article is to determine the theological relevance of these tensions. This aim is reached via a detailed analysis of the intratextual relations in the poem. In the process problems concerning the strophic structure, genre and social selling of the psalm receive attention. The conclusion is reached that the tensions are used to clarify the relationship between God, the righteous and the wicked, thus serving as dominant interpretational key to determine the theology of the psalm.
Exegetes are unanimous in classifying Psalm 80 as a communal lament. Here the
consensus regardin... more Exegetes are unanimous in classifying Psalm 80 as a communal lament. Here the
consensus regarding the poem ends. The poem is dated somewhere between the time
of Saul and the second century BC. In this paper, Psalm 80 is analysed on two
levels: Firstly, a careful intratextual analysis is made. Secondly, this information is
used to determine the social and historical setting of the psalm by means of an intertextual analysis. Three metaphors are used to describe God: That of vinegrower
(9-14), shepherd (2-3) and father ( 16 and 18). It is argued that these well-known
metaphors are used by a community of believers in exilic times lo enhance the
disparity between God's tender care in the past and their present existential crisis.
Against this background, they lament their deplorable situation and pray for salvtion.
The campaign of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, against Syria-Palestine
in the year 701 BC has b... more The campaign of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, against Syria-Palestine
in the year 701 BC has been called the best documented piece of Biblical
or even Ancient Near-Eastern history. From both literary and archaeological
aspects various accounts of the event are available. The interpretation
of these sources is controversial. The aim of this paper is not
to dwell on historical and/or theological problems, but rather to interpret
two Assyrian sources in the light of the ancient Mediterranean social
values of honour and shame. These sources are the literary account of
Sennacherib's campaign against Syria-Palestine (his so-called Third
Campaign) and the depiction of his conquest of Lachish from his palace
in Nineveh. The conclusion is reached that both accounts were intended
to exalt the honour of Sennacherib. The differences between the Biblical
and Assyrian accounts can be explained as ideological. The Assyrian
sources intend to enhance the honour of Sennacherib and the Assyrian
gods, the Biblical accounts do exactly the opposite - they want to enhance
the honour of especially Yahweh. Ironically though, by 'reading' the
Assyrian accounts together, questions are raised about the honourability
of the Assyrian king.
The nature and value of marital enrichment in the context of a congregation More marriages than e... more The nature and value of marital enrichment in the context of a congregation More marriages than expected end in divorce. Ways to prevent divorce need to be developed and actively pursued. Enrichment programs are often presented but not in a scientific way. This article describes a marriage enrichment program for couples in early midlife in a suburban Dutch Reformed congregation. The program was developed, presented and scientifically evaluated by means of an intervention research process. The marital satisfaction of all the couples involved improved significantly. Marriage enrichment thus has positive results. It is however a prerequisite that programs are based on sound theory. Group leaders have to be qualified. Programs have the best effect when presented by means of growth-oriented groups. The church is a strong resource in helping couples to strengthen their relationships. Recommendations for presenting enrichment programs in congregations are made.
It is a sine qua nonl/Ig of biblical scholarship that texts should never be interpreted in isolat... more It is a sine qua nonl/Ig of biblical scholarship that texts should never be interpreted in isolation. Curiously enough ever since the rise of critical biblical scholarship this key aspect of the exegetical process has been largely ignored in the exegesis of the Book of Psalms. Nowhere is this shortcoming better illustrated than in the arbitrary allocation of a social and historical background to virtually any psalm. In this paper the shortcomings of this atomistic approach is illustrated by referring to a specific psalm, namely Psalm 118. A short overview of various interpretational perspectives on Psalm 118 in commentaries and other studies is given. It is argued that a contextual and intertextual reading of Psalm 118 will act as a counterbalance to arbitrary decisions on the interpretation of the psalm. It is the interplay between intra- and intertextual data that guides the exegete towards reconstructing an extratextual context for the poem.
Psalm 20 is one of the less popular psalms. Since the discovery that the so-called Papyrus Amhers... more Psalm 20 is one of the less popular psalms. Since the discovery that the so-called Papyrus Amherst 63 contains an Aramaic parallel to Psalm 20, this situation has changed. The discovery led to intense discussion about the nature of the relationship. Moreover, the interpretation of both poems is controversial. Questions with regard to date, structure, genre and social setting remain unsolved, in spite of a number of recent publications. The nature of the relationship between Psalm 20 and its Aramaic parallel is the subject of this paper. The relationship is determined first, by an intratextual analysis of each poem and then by an intertextual comparison. The conclusion is reached that Psalm 20 is an adaptation and Yahwistic reinterpretation of an older Canaanite poem.
The absence of Habakkuk: 3 in the Pesher Habakkuk led to the widespread opinion that the chapter ... more The absence of Habakkuk: 3 in the Pesher Habakkuk led to the widespread opinion that the chapter is a later addition to the book. It is not a futile attempt to read Habakkuk 3 in its literary context, because Habakkuk 3 becomes the climax of the book, indicating that trust in Yahwe even gives meaning to the life of the righteous.
In this article the role played by honour and shame are examined in the epic of Gilgamesh, with p... more In this article the role played by honour and shame are examined in the epic of Gilgamesh, with particular reference to the development of the character of Gilgamesh as he matures from youth to adulthood. Bruce Malina's model of honour and shame is discussed briefly and applied in those instances in the epic where honour and shame are an issue. The conclusion is drawn that the honour-and-shame motif undoubtedly lends moments of dramatic development to the epic, but that Gilgamesh does not confonn to Malina's so-<:aJ.led dyadic personality. Precisely for this reason is it possible that the character of Gilgamesh can grow.
This study engages in an ecotheological reading of Habakkuk 2:5–20, a text riddled with text-crit... more This study engages in an ecotheological reading of Habakkuk 2:5–20, a text riddled with text-critical, redaction-critical, and theological problems. I argue that the central theme permeating this text is the condemnation of human hubris and self-centredness, resulting in violent behaviour, whether it is perpetrated against nature, animals, or humanity in general (Hab 2:17). Utilising a hermeneutics of reminiscence as point of departure, the study argues that the book of Habakkuk is an ancient Near Eastern text bound to its own worldview(s) and societal issues. However, reading Hab 2:5–20 from the perspective of victims of violence against the background of exile and marginalisation opens avenues for ecotheological application. Such a reading recognises both the integrity of the ancient text and its relevance for modern readers struggling with urgent issues that did not exist in biblical times.
Habakkuk 2:5 is a problematic text. The ‘correctness’ of the Masoretic text’s passage ‘moreover, ... more Habakkuk 2:5 is a problematic text. The ‘correctness’ of the Masoretic text’s passage ‘moreover, the wine is treacherous, an arrogant person – he will not come to rest’ has often been questioned. The discovery of the Pesher Habakkuk (1QpHab) in Cave 1 at Qumran gave impetus to this tendency. It contains a reading quite different from the Masoretic text. It reads ‘moreover, wealth deceives an arrogant man, and he will not come to rest’. Many modern commentaries and translations assume that 1QpHab contains the ‘correct’ reading. This study argues that this assumption is based upon questionable text critical practice and pleads for a contextual interpretation of variant readings before rash decisions about the status of the Masoretic text can be made.
Members of the Pericope Project take it for granted that ancient indicators of unit delimitation ... more Members of the Pericope Project take it for granted that ancient indicators of unit delimitation are important interpretative tools at the disposal of modern exegetes, tools sadly neglected by generation of biblical scholars. In this chapter the specific questions to be answered is this: How can the ancient systems of Petuḥot/setumot aid modern exegetes in determining the structure of Biblical books? Will the acceptance of the ancient system influence the interpretation of the book? These questions will be answered with specific reference to the Book of Habakkuk. In the process attention will be paid to the interpretation of the petuḥot/setumot. It is customary to describe their function as marking of 'sections', but exactly what kind of section is indicated? Did the ancient scribes regard paragraphs in the same way modern readers do? These questions become important when decisions about the structure of books are made. Keywords: biblical text; Habakkuk; Petuḥot; Setumot
In many ways, the book of Habakkuk is unique in the Book of the Twelve Prophets. One of the reaso... more In many ways, the book of Habakkuk is unique in the Book of the Twelve Prophets. One of the reasons is that the Gattungen normally associated with prophetic literature are either absent or occur in unique forms. On the other hand, it has long since been recognised that wisdom motifs had a definite influence upon the book. This can be seen in the vocabulary, in many of the themes, in the dialogic character of the book, and even in the overall structure of the book. The purpose of this article is to illuminate the intertextual relations between Habakkuk and wisdom texts in the Old Testament, especially the so called sceptical wisdom. The importance of these motifs in determining the theological thrust of the book is discussed. It is shown that the recognition of these motifs has implications for the date of the book in its final form as well.
Psalm 5 is one of the less known psalms. Yet, it is an extraordinary poem. The most conspicuous c... more Psalm 5 is one of the less known psalms. Yet, it is an extraordinary poem. The most conspicuous characteristic of Psalm 5 is the tension between Yahweh, the righteous and the wicked. This tension is skilfully expressed in the poetic structure of the psalm, where strophes concerning the relationship between Yahweh and the righteous on the one hand and Yahweh and the wicked on the other hand, appear in juxtaposition. Tension is created between the three role players. The aim of this article is to determine the theological relevance of these tensions. This aim is reached via a detailed analysis of the intratextual relations in the poem. In the process problems concerning the strophic structure, genre and social selling of the psalm receive attention. The conclusion is reached that the tensions are used to clarify the relationship between God, the righteous and the wicked, thus serving as dominant interpretational key to determine the theology of the psalm.
Exegetes are unanimous in classifying Psalm 80 as a communal lament. Here the
consensus regardin... more Exegetes are unanimous in classifying Psalm 80 as a communal lament. Here the
consensus regarding the poem ends. The poem is dated somewhere between the time
of Saul and the second century BC. In this paper, Psalm 80 is analysed on two
levels: Firstly, a careful intratextual analysis is made. Secondly, this information is
used to determine the social and historical setting of the psalm by means of an intertextual analysis. Three metaphors are used to describe God: That of vinegrower
(9-14), shepherd (2-3) and father ( 16 and 18). It is argued that these well-known
metaphors are used by a community of believers in exilic times lo enhance the
disparity between God's tender care in the past and their present existential crisis.
Against this background, they lament their deplorable situation and pray for salvtion.
The campaign of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, against Syria-Palestine
in the year 701 BC has b... more The campaign of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, against Syria-Palestine
in the year 701 BC has been called the best documented piece of Biblical
or even Ancient Near-Eastern history. From both literary and archaeological
aspects various accounts of the event are available. The interpretation
of these sources is controversial. The aim of this paper is not
to dwell on historical and/or theological problems, but rather to interpret
two Assyrian sources in the light of the ancient Mediterranean social
values of honour and shame. These sources are the literary account of
Sennacherib's campaign against Syria-Palestine (his so-called Third
Campaign) and the depiction of his conquest of Lachish from his palace
in Nineveh. The conclusion is reached that both accounts were intended
to exalt the honour of Sennacherib. The differences between the Biblical
and Assyrian accounts can be explained as ideological. The Assyrian
sources intend to enhance the honour of Sennacherib and the Assyrian
gods, the Biblical accounts do exactly the opposite - they want to enhance
the honour of especially Yahweh. Ironically though, by 'reading' the
Assyrian accounts together, questions are raised about the honourability
of the Assyrian king.
The nature and value of marital enrichment in the context of a congregation More marriages than e... more The nature and value of marital enrichment in the context of a congregation More marriages than expected end in divorce. Ways to prevent divorce need to be developed and actively pursued. Enrichment programs are often presented but not in a scientific way. This article describes a marriage enrichment program for couples in early midlife in a suburban Dutch Reformed congregation. The program was developed, presented and scientifically evaluated by means of an intervention research process. The marital satisfaction of all the couples involved improved significantly. Marriage enrichment thus has positive results. It is however a prerequisite that programs are based on sound theory. Group leaders have to be qualified. Programs have the best effect when presented by means of growth-oriented groups. The church is a strong resource in helping couples to strengthen their relationships. Recommendations for presenting enrichment programs in congregations are made.
It is a sine qua nonl/Ig of biblical scholarship that texts should never be interpreted in isolat... more It is a sine qua nonl/Ig of biblical scholarship that texts should never be interpreted in isolation. Curiously enough ever since the rise of critical biblical scholarship this key aspect of the exegetical process has been largely ignored in the exegesis of the Book of Psalms. Nowhere is this shortcoming better illustrated than in the arbitrary allocation of a social and historical background to virtually any psalm. In this paper the shortcomings of this atomistic approach is illustrated by referring to a specific psalm, namely Psalm 118. A short overview of various interpretational perspectives on Psalm 118 in commentaries and other studies is given. It is argued that a contextual and intertextual reading of Psalm 118 will act as a counterbalance to arbitrary decisions on the interpretation of the psalm. It is the interplay between intra- and intertextual data that guides the exegete towards reconstructing an extratextual context for the poem.
Psalm 20 is one of the less popular psalms. Since the discovery that the so-called Papyrus Amhers... more Psalm 20 is one of the less popular psalms. Since the discovery that the so-called Papyrus Amherst 63 contains an Aramaic parallel to Psalm 20, this situation has changed. The discovery led to intense discussion about the nature of the relationship. Moreover, the interpretation of both poems is controversial. Questions with regard to date, structure, genre and social setting remain unsolved, in spite of a number of recent publications. The nature of the relationship between Psalm 20 and its Aramaic parallel is the subject of this paper. The relationship is determined first, by an intratextual analysis of each poem and then by an intertextual comparison. The conclusion is reached that Psalm 20 is an adaptation and Yahwistic reinterpretation of an older Canaanite poem.
The absence of Habakkuk: 3 in the Pesher Habakkuk led to the widespread opinion that the chapter ... more The absence of Habakkuk: 3 in the Pesher Habakkuk led to the widespread opinion that the chapter is a later addition to the book. It is not a futile attempt to read Habakkuk 3 in its literary context, because Habakkuk 3 becomes the climax of the book, indicating that trust in Yahwe even gives meaning to the life of the righteous.
In this article the role played by honour and shame are examined in the epic of Gilgamesh, with p... more In this article the role played by honour and shame are examined in the epic of Gilgamesh, with particular reference to the development of the character of Gilgamesh as he matures from youth to adulthood. Bruce Malina's model of honour and shame is discussed briefly and applied in those instances in the epic where honour and shame are an issue. The conclusion is drawn that the honour-and-shame motif undoubtedly lends moments of dramatic development to the epic, but that Gilgamesh does not confonn to Malina's so-<:aJ.led dyadic personality. Precisely for this reason is it possible that the character of Gilgamesh can grow.
This study engages in an ecotheological reading of Habakkuk 2:5–20, a text riddled with text-crit... more This study engages in an ecotheological reading of Habakkuk 2:5–20, a text riddled with text-critical, redaction-critical, and theological problems. I argue that the central theme permeating this text is the condemnation of human hubris and self-centredness, resulting in violent behaviour, whether it is perpetrated against nature, animals, or humanity in general (Hab 2:17). Utilising a hermeneutics of reminiscence as point of departure, the study argues that the book of Habakkuk is an ancient Near Eastern text bound to its own worldview(s) and societal issues. However, reading Hab 2:5–20 from the perspective of victims of violence against the background of exile and marginalisation opens avenues for ecotheological application. Such a reading recognises both the integrity of the ancient text and its relevance for modern readers struggling with urgent issues that did not exist in biblical times.
Habakkuk 2:5 is a problematic text. The ‘correctness’ of the Masoretic text’s passage ‘moreover, ... more Habakkuk 2:5 is a problematic text. The ‘correctness’ of the Masoretic text’s passage ‘moreover, the wine is treacherous, an arrogant person – he will not come to rest’ has often been questioned. The discovery of the Pesher Habakkuk (1QpHab) in Cave 1 at Qumran gave impetus to this tendency. It contains a reading quite different from the Masoretic text. It reads ‘moreover, wealth deceives an arrogant man, and he will not come to rest’. Many modern commentaries and translations assume that 1QpHab contains the ‘correct’ reading. This study argues that this assumption is based upon questionable text critical practice and pleads for a contextual interpretation of variant readings before rash decisions about the status of the Masoretic text can be made.
Members of the Pericope Project take it for granted that ancient indicators of unit delimitation ... more Members of the Pericope Project take it for granted that ancient indicators of unit delimitation are important interpretative tools at the disposal of modern exegetes, tools sadly neglected by generation of biblical scholars. In this chapter the specific questions to be answered is this: How can the ancient systems of Petuḥot/setumot aid modern exegetes in determining the structure of Biblical books? Will the acceptance of the ancient system influence the interpretation of the book? These questions will be answered with specific reference to the Book of Habakkuk. In the process attention will be paid to the interpretation of the petuḥot/setumot. It is customary to describe their function as marking of 'sections', but exactly what kind of section is indicated? Did the ancient scribes regard paragraphs in the same way modern readers do? These questions become important when decisions about the structure of books are made. Keywords: biblical text; Habakkuk; Petuḥot; Setumot
In many ways, the book of Habakkuk is unique in the Book of the Twelve Prophets. One of the reaso... more In many ways, the book of Habakkuk is unique in the Book of the Twelve Prophets. One of the reasons is that the Gattungen normally associated with prophetic literature are either absent or occur in unique forms. On the other hand, it has long since been recognised that wisdom motifs had a definite influence upon the book. This can be seen in the vocabulary, in many of the themes, in the dialogic character of the book, and even in the overall structure of the book. The purpose of this article is to illuminate the intertextual relations between Habakkuk and wisdom texts in the Old Testament, especially the so called sceptical wisdom. The importance of these motifs in determining the theological thrust of the book is discussed. It is shown that the recognition of these motifs has implications for the date of the book in its final form as well.
This is a collection of papers given at SBL International Meetings 2009-2011, which investigate t... more This is a collection of papers given at SBL International Meetings 2009-2011, which investigate the inherent spatiality of human existence. The contributors discuss ancient Mediterranean texts and societies from a decidedly spatial perspective, debating over such issues as narratological space, critical spatiality, sociological theories on space, space and identity, space and body. The volume consists of three parts and commences with three studies focusing on theoretical approaches towards spatial analysis and application of the theory to specific Old and New Testament texts. The essays in the second part examine the sacred space and the formation of identity, with particular attention to Jerusalem and the temple seen as sacred space and the lived experience of authors describing this space in various ways. The third part discusses the spatial theory and its application to a variety of texts ranging from the Epic of Gilgamesh to the New Testament.
Table of Contents
Introduction Christl M. Maier & Gert T.M. Prinsloo\Part I: Prospectives, Perspectives and Methods\Place, Space and Identity in the Ancient Mediterranean World: Theoretical Considerations and Practical Application with Reference to the Book of Jonah Gert T.M. Prinsloo\Shaping Landscapes of Faith: Martina Löw’s ‘Raumsoziologie’ (Sociology of Space) as a Key to the Deuteronomic Conception of Space Michaela Geiger\Critical Spatial Theory 2.0 Matthew Sleeman\Part II: Sacred Space and the Formation of Identity\Temple and Proto-Temple: Holy and Profane Space in Eden Mathias Hohls\Ancient Israel’s Othering of Foreigners and Their Spaces: A Spatial Reading of the First Group of Korahite Psalms to Determine Israel’s Conceptualisation of Sacred Space Jo-Mari Schaeder\Jerusalem as Holy City in Ezra/Nehemiah Maria Häusl\Jerusalem as Holy City in the Book of Tobit Johanna Rautenberg\Jerusalem in Third Isaiah – A Spatial Analysis Christl M. Maier\Part III: Place, Space, Identity: Theory and Practice\Uruk, the Place, the Space, in the Gilgamesh Epic Gerda de Villiers\The role of Place and Space in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7) Ronald van der Berg\Family as Lived Space: Power, Gender, Abuse and Retaliation in Genesis 34 Reineth and Gert Prinsloo\Space of Coherence in the Wilderness? Reading Numbers Spatially Mark George\Escaping from Cityspace in Apocalyptic Thinking Without Loss of Urban Grounding Carla Sulzbach\The ‘Enemy Other’ Within or Citing the Identity of Gibeonites and Japanese Johnny Miles\Narrative Space and the Construction of Meaning in the Book of Joel Mary Mills
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Papers by Gert T M Prinsloo
consensus regarding the poem ends. The poem is dated somewhere between the time
of Saul and the second century BC. In this paper, Psalm 80 is analysed on two
levels: Firstly, a careful intratextual analysis is made. Secondly, this information is
used to determine the social and historical setting of the psalm by means of an intertextual analysis. Three metaphors are used to describe God: That of vinegrower
(9-14), shepherd (2-3) and father ( 16 and 18). It is argued that these well-known
metaphors are used by a community of believers in exilic times lo enhance the
disparity between God's tender care in the past and their present existential crisis.
Against this background, they lament their deplorable situation and pray for salvtion.
in the year 701 BC has been called the best documented piece of Biblical
or even Ancient Near-Eastern history. From both literary and archaeological
aspects various accounts of the event are available. The interpretation
of these sources is controversial. The aim of this paper is not
to dwell on historical and/or theological problems, but rather to interpret
two Assyrian sources in the light of the ancient Mediterranean social
values of honour and shame. These sources are the literary account of
Sennacherib's campaign against Syria-Palestine (his so-called Third
Campaign) and the depiction of his conquest of Lachish from his palace
in Nineveh. The conclusion is reached that both accounts were intended
to exalt the honour of Sennacherib. The differences between the Biblical
and Assyrian accounts can be explained as ideological. The Assyrian
sources intend to enhance the honour of Sennacherib and the Assyrian
gods, the Biblical accounts do exactly the opposite - they want to enhance
the honour of especially Yahweh. Ironically though, by 'reading' the
Assyrian accounts together, questions are raised about the honourability
of the Assyrian king.
consensus regarding the poem ends. The poem is dated somewhere between the time
of Saul and the second century BC. In this paper, Psalm 80 is analysed on two
levels: Firstly, a careful intratextual analysis is made. Secondly, this information is
used to determine the social and historical setting of the psalm by means of an intertextual analysis. Three metaphors are used to describe God: That of vinegrower
(9-14), shepherd (2-3) and father ( 16 and 18). It is argued that these well-known
metaphors are used by a community of believers in exilic times lo enhance the
disparity between God's tender care in the past and their present existential crisis.
Against this background, they lament their deplorable situation and pray for salvtion.
in the year 701 BC has been called the best documented piece of Biblical
or even Ancient Near-Eastern history. From both literary and archaeological
aspects various accounts of the event are available. The interpretation
of these sources is controversial. The aim of this paper is not
to dwell on historical and/or theological problems, but rather to interpret
two Assyrian sources in the light of the ancient Mediterranean social
values of honour and shame. These sources are the literary account of
Sennacherib's campaign against Syria-Palestine (his so-called Third
Campaign) and the depiction of his conquest of Lachish from his palace
in Nineveh. The conclusion is reached that both accounts were intended
to exalt the honour of Sennacherib. The differences between the Biblical
and Assyrian accounts can be explained as ideological. The Assyrian
sources intend to enhance the honour of Sennacherib and the Assyrian
gods, the Biblical accounts do exactly the opposite - they want to enhance
the honour of especially Yahweh. Ironically though, by 'reading' the
Assyrian accounts together, questions are raised about the honourability
of the Assyrian king.
Table of Contents
Introduction Christl M. Maier & Gert T.M. Prinsloo\Part I: Prospectives, Perspectives and Methods\Place, Space and Identity in the Ancient Mediterranean World: Theoretical Considerations and Practical Application with Reference to the Book of Jonah Gert T.M. Prinsloo\Shaping Landscapes of Faith: Martina Löw’s ‘Raumsoziologie’ (Sociology of Space) as a Key to the Deuteronomic Conception of Space Michaela Geiger\Critical Spatial Theory 2.0 Matthew Sleeman\Part II: Sacred Space and the Formation of Identity\Temple and Proto-Temple: Holy and Profane Space in Eden Mathias Hohls\Ancient Israel’s Othering of Foreigners and Their Spaces: A Spatial Reading of the First Group of Korahite Psalms to Determine Israel’s Conceptualisation of Sacred Space Jo-Mari Schaeder\Jerusalem as Holy City in Ezra/Nehemiah Maria Häusl\Jerusalem as Holy City in the Book of Tobit Johanna Rautenberg\Jerusalem in Third Isaiah – A Spatial Analysis Christl M. Maier\Part III: Place, Space, Identity: Theory and Practice\Uruk, the Place, the Space, in the Gilgamesh Epic Gerda de Villiers\The role of Place and Space in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7) Ronald van der Berg\Family as Lived Space: Power, Gender, Abuse and Retaliation in Genesis 34 Reineth and Gert Prinsloo\Space of Coherence in the Wilderness? Reading Numbers Spatially Mark George\Escaping from Cityspace in Apocalyptic Thinking Without Loss of Urban Grounding Carla Sulzbach\The ‘Enemy Other’ Within or Citing the Identity of Gibeonites and Japanese Johnny Miles\Narrative Space and the Construction of Meaning in the Book of Joel Mary Mills