Robin Gallaher Branch - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Robin Gallaher Branch

In die skriflig/In die Skriflig, Apr 30, 2024

Contribution: This article is the second of a two-part series in gender balance and together with... more Contribution: This article is the second of a two-part series in gender balance and together with Part 1 (which focused on the Old Testament) present a survey of a new approach to reading and studying the Bible. The new lens, gender balance, applies to both the Old and New Testament: If there is a theme, text, emotion or story about a man, look for one about a woman, and vice versa. This lens generates new perspectives for teaching, preaching, studying, and writing about the Bible. It is clear from the Bible that gender balance provides input on contemporary worldwide issues. It can assist individuals, communities, churches and nations in areas such as the following: negotiation of power between colonisers and the colonised, and discussion of traditional areas of patriarchal control. Gender balance honours both men and women.

In die skriflig/In die Skriflig, Mar 4, 2024

Journal for Semitics, 2005

Rizpah, concubine of Saul and daughter of Aiah, features twice in scripture. The first story, rec... more Rizpah, concubine of Saul and daughter of Aiah, features twice in scripture. The first story, recounted in 2 Samuel 3, takes place at the beginning of David's reign in Hebron, around 10 I 0 BCE. The second, recounted in 2 Samuel 24, is set at an indefinite time well into David's reign as king over all Israel. In the first story, Rizpah serves as a catalyst: at the mention of her name, a kingdom changes hands. In the second story, she serves as an activist: her courage in defying a sitting king rivets a nation. In both stories, she remains silent. In each passage, the narrator muzzles her, refusing to allow her to respond to accusations, to express her feelings about two life-threatening situations, or to share her views on the justice of the actions taken. Nevertheless, Rizpah emerges in the first story as a fulcrum in the king-making struggle between the House of Saul and the House of David, and in the second as a moral force the winning king, David, must reckon with. This article concludes a two-part series from a literary perspective on Rizpah, an obscure but surprisingly influential woman in the biblical text.

Horizons in Biblical Theology, 2007

In die Skriflig, Dec 1, 2011

George M. Schwab has written a succinct, highly readable commentary on Judges that skillfully com... more George M. Schwab has written a succinct, highly readable commentary on Judges that skillfully combines excellent insights from the Hebrew text with practical applications for the text for modern day people. Schwab's handling of the material in Judges - a difficult book for many readers because of its violence - has produced an outstanding book.

Old Testament essays, 2002

Extracted from text ... Stiebert, Johanna 2002. The construction of shame in the Hebrew Bible : T... more Extracted from text ... Stiebert, Johanna 2002. The construction of shame in the Hebrew Bible : The prophetic contribution. London : Sheffield Academic Press. (JSOT Suppl 346.) X + 196 pages. Hardcover. 50,00. ISBN 1-8412-7268-X. Johanna Stiebert has made a significant and well-rounded contribution to Biblical scholarship in The construction of shame in the Hebrew Bible : The prophetic contribution. Shame, seemingly a minor topic in the Biblical text, emerges under her writing and analysis, however, as a strong component in the writings of the major prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. Stiebert, who according to her Acknowledgements page evidently is or was on the faculty of the University of Botswana, frequently calls into ..

In die skriflig, Jul 26, 2009

Teaching an old dog new tricks: Herodotus confirms Xerxes' anger in The Persian wars, and the Boo... more Teaching an old dog new tricks: Herodotus confirms Xerxes' anger in The Persian wars, and the Book of Esther provides insights on anger management The Book of Esther describes Xerxes, king of Persia and Media, as an angry man. It highlights the king's ups (Esther, 1:12; 7:7) and downs (Esther, 2:1; 7:10). Surprisingly, Herodotus in "The Persian wars" likewise emphasises the king's anger and wrath. This classic Greek tale possibly fills in a time gap between Esther 1 and 2: Xerxes travels west from his capital, Susa, and loses a war in Sparta. "The Persian wars" chronicles Xerxes' international humiliation and the despot's rages along the way. Xerxes bullies and blames subordinates; destroys property and cuts a swathe from Persia to Sparta; acts pompously; and exhibits angry outbursts when crossed or thwarted. Herodotus confirms that generals, enemies, and aides tiptoe around this international bully. One, however, does not. Artemisia, a woman ship commander, earns Xerxes' respect. When the battlefield of his life switches from Sparta back to Susa, the Bible presents a second model of courage, Esther, Xerxes' new queen. Walking confidently in the halls of power, this lovely "general" in regal 1 A shortened version of this article was presented in June 2009 in Stellenbosch, South Africa, at a conference in a colloquium of societies that included SASNES (South African Society of Near Eastern Studies). 'n vermenging van wysheid en vroulikheid, trotseer Ester Xerxes se woede-en neutraliseer dit.

In die skriflig, Aug 1, 2004

Genesis 20: A literary template for the prophetic tradition A close examination of Genesis 20 sho... more Genesis 20: A literary template for the prophetic tradition A close examination of Genesis 20 shows that the concept of prophet, which is mentioned for the first time in this chapter, is emphasised in three ways. First, God actively creates a new office-that of prophet. Second, he specifically gives a job description-that of intercessor. Third, he squarely sets in place a model-one that all subsequent prophets, prophetesses, and prophesies in some way follow and build upon. Significantly, Genesis 20 gives no indication that Abraham sought the designation of prophet or knew in advance it was coming. Abraham's new office emphasises God's sovereignty. Starting with Genesis 20, God establishes a pattern of maintaining for Himself the right first to choose Israel's prophets and later to choose its judges and kings. This article argues that Chapter 20 provides a ten-point foundation for the work of the prophet that the Hebrew Bible enlarges on in later books. Opsomming Genesis 20: 'n literêre sjabloon vir die profetiese tradisie 'n Noukeurige ontleding van Genesis 20 toon dat die konsep van profeet, wat vir die eerste keer in hierdie hoofstuk genoem word, op drie maniere benadruk word. Eerstens: God skep op 'n aktiewe wyse 'n nuwe amp-dié van profeet. Tweedens: God gee op 'n duidelike wyse 'n taakomskrywing-dié van voorbidder. Derders: Hy stel onmiskenbaar 'n model beskikbaar-een wat alle volgende profete, profetesse en profesieë in een of ander vorm navolg of daarop voortbou. Dit is belangrik om daarop te let dat Genesis 20 geen aanduiding gee dat Abraham

Journal for Semitics, 2005

The biblical text defines Rizpah in terms of her function and status as the concubine of Saul and... more The biblical text defines Rizpah in terms of her function and status as the concubine of Saul and daughter of Aiah (2 Sam 3:7). It introduces her in terms of her relationships to men. Men decide her fate as part of the spoils of war and bandy her name about as a magnet for testing loyalties. The mention of her name sets in motion a series of violent, bloody events that eventually establish David as king over all Israel. Yet the narrator muzzles her. Although silent and a pawn in the succession narrative, she nevertheless serves as a catalyst in king-making.

Old Testament essays, 2004

Extracted from text ... Ross, Allen P 2002. Creation & Blessing: A guide to the study and exp... more Extracted from text ... Ross, Allen P 2002. Creation & Blessing: A guide to the study and exposition of Genesis. 4th ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. 744 pages. Paperback. US $34, 99. ISBN 0-8010-2107-3. Allen P Ross has written an excellent study guide to Genesis. His prodigious book, which he refrains from calling a commentary, contains fine scholarship and an excellent survey of previous work on this first book of the Bible. His writing is so interesting that the book became for me more than a source; it became bedside reading material. Creation & Blessing is an essential reference work for those ..

Old Testament essays, 2002

Extracted from text ... BOOK REVIEWS OTE 15/3 (2002), 821-842 829 Hamilton, Victor P 2001. Handbo... more Extracted from text ... BOOK REVIEWS OTE 15/3 (2002), 821-842 829 Hamilton, Victor P 2001. Handbook on the Historical Books : Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah. Grand Rapids, MI : Baker Books. 557 pages. Hardback with dust cover. US $32,99. ISBN 0-810-2257-6. Victor P Hamilton's Handbook on the Historical Books : Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, published in 2001, complements his successful earlier work, Handbook on the Pentateuch : Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, which was published in 1982. While both books are a pleasure to read, the writing style and the handling of the historical books show an increased depth of scholarship and appreciation for the text over the intervening ..

Chris Mann - Whale talk; The Separating Self (after Hardy's The Self Unseeing) Robin Gallaher... more Chris Mann - Whale talk; The Separating Self (after Hardy's The Self Unseeing) Robin Gallaher Branch - "He's a Bureaucrat" h. le r. slabbert - Siberian swans (Laurens van der Post - Into Russia); Kruisdraer (Luk. 23:26)

In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi, 2004

A close examination of Genesis 20 shows that the concept of prophet, which is mentioned for the f... more A close examination of Genesis 20 shows that the concept of prophet, which is mentioned for the first time in this chapter, is emphasised in three ways. First, God actively creates a new office – that of prophet. Second, he specifically gives a job description – that of intercessor. Third, he squarely sets in place a model – one that all subsequent prophets, prophetesses, and prophesies in some way follow and build upon. Significantly, Genesis 20 gives no indication that Abraham sought the designation of prophet or knew in advance it was coming. Abraham’s new office emphasises God’s sovereignty. Starting with Genesis 20, God establishes a pattern of maintaining for Himself the right first to choose Israel’s prophets and later to choose its judges and kings. This article argues that Chapter 20 provides a ten-point foundation for the work of the prophet that the Hebrew Bible enlarges on in later books.

Die Kerkblad, 2008

Online Journal Abstract Information - Sabinet Online.

Old Testament essays, 2014

David W. Baker's commentary on Isaiah features extensive background material on the period in... more David W. Baker's commentary on Isaiah features extensive background material on the period in which the book of the prophet Isaiah was written and on neighbouring religions, cultures, writings, and artifacts. His work could well serve as a valued companion to a world religions class. It is not an exegetical commentary.

In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi, 2003

The Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maacah quells a rebellion (2 Sam. 20). Abigail, a beautiful and intel... more The Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maacah quells a rebellion (2 Sam. 20). Abigail, a beautiful and intelligent woman, rescues her household (1 Sam. 25). And the older sister of Moses, by tradition Miriam, saves her baby brother’s life (Ex. 2). These two women and a girl represent political saviours who facilitate the deliverance of a city, community, and an individual via persuasive words. As winners with words, these orators contribute dynamically to the biblical text by providing an alternative way of deliverance, one enabling it to come through a means other than the sword. Via perceptive persuasion, they guide those with whom they interact toward choosing life and the common good. This article takes a cross-disciplinary approach to the biblical text by looking at the persuasive communication techniques these two women and a girl employ so successfully.

Die Kerkblad, 2004

Online Journal Abstract Information - Sabinet Online.

Reformed Theology in Africa Series

Interpretation, Oct 12, 2020

In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi, 2004

This article presents a critical look at the story of the reign of Athaliah, the only ruling quee... more This article presents a critical look at the story of the reign of Athaliah, the only ruling queen of Israel or Judah in the biblical text. Double reference in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles shows her story’s importance and significance to the biblical writers. The largely parallel accounts read like a contemporary soap opera, for they contain murder, intrigue, harem politics, religious upheaval, and coup and counter-coup. Her story provides insights on the turbulent political climate of the ninth century BC. However, the purpose of the biblical writers is not to show Athaliah as the epitome of evil or that all women in power are evil.

In die skriflig/In die Skriflig, Apr 30, 2024

Contribution: This article is the second of a two-part series in gender balance and together with... more Contribution: This article is the second of a two-part series in gender balance and together with Part 1 (which focused on the Old Testament) present a survey of a new approach to reading and studying the Bible. The new lens, gender balance, applies to both the Old and New Testament: If there is a theme, text, emotion or story about a man, look for one about a woman, and vice versa. This lens generates new perspectives for teaching, preaching, studying, and writing about the Bible. It is clear from the Bible that gender balance provides input on contemporary worldwide issues. It can assist individuals, communities, churches and nations in areas such as the following: negotiation of power between colonisers and the colonised, and discussion of traditional areas of patriarchal control. Gender balance honours both men and women.

In die skriflig/In die Skriflig, Mar 4, 2024

Journal for Semitics, 2005

Rizpah, concubine of Saul and daughter of Aiah, features twice in scripture. The first story, rec... more Rizpah, concubine of Saul and daughter of Aiah, features twice in scripture. The first story, recounted in 2 Samuel 3, takes place at the beginning of David's reign in Hebron, around 10 I 0 BCE. The second, recounted in 2 Samuel 24, is set at an indefinite time well into David's reign as king over all Israel. In the first story, Rizpah serves as a catalyst: at the mention of her name, a kingdom changes hands. In the second story, she serves as an activist: her courage in defying a sitting king rivets a nation. In both stories, she remains silent. In each passage, the narrator muzzles her, refusing to allow her to respond to accusations, to express her feelings about two life-threatening situations, or to share her views on the justice of the actions taken. Nevertheless, Rizpah emerges in the first story as a fulcrum in the king-making struggle between the House of Saul and the House of David, and in the second as a moral force the winning king, David, must reckon with. This article concludes a two-part series from a literary perspective on Rizpah, an obscure but surprisingly influential woman in the biblical text.

Horizons in Biblical Theology, 2007

In die Skriflig, Dec 1, 2011

George M. Schwab has written a succinct, highly readable commentary on Judges that skillfully com... more George M. Schwab has written a succinct, highly readable commentary on Judges that skillfully combines excellent insights from the Hebrew text with practical applications for the text for modern day people. Schwab's handling of the material in Judges - a difficult book for many readers because of its violence - has produced an outstanding book.

Old Testament essays, 2002

Extracted from text ... Stiebert, Johanna 2002. The construction of shame in the Hebrew Bible : T... more Extracted from text ... Stiebert, Johanna 2002. The construction of shame in the Hebrew Bible : The prophetic contribution. London : Sheffield Academic Press. (JSOT Suppl 346.) X + 196 pages. Hardcover. 50,00. ISBN 1-8412-7268-X. Johanna Stiebert has made a significant and well-rounded contribution to Biblical scholarship in The construction of shame in the Hebrew Bible : The prophetic contribution. Shame, seemingly a minor topic in the Biblical text, emerges under her writing and analysis, however, as a strong component in the writings of the major prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. Stiebert, who according to her Acknowledgements page evidently is or was on the faculty of the University of Botswana, frequently calls into ..

In die skriflig, Jul 26, 2009

Teaching an old dog new tricks: Herodotus confirms Xerxes' anger in The Persian wars, and the Boo... more Teaching an old dog new tricks: Herodotus confirms Xerxes' anger in The Persian wars, and the Book of Esther provides insights on anger management The Book of Esther describes Xerxes, king of Persia and Media, as an angry man. It highlights the king's ups (Esther, 1:12; 7:7) and downs (Esther, 2:1; 7:10). Surprisingly, Herodotus in "The Persian wars" likewise emphasises the king's anger and wrath. This classic Greek tale possibly fills in a time gap between Esther 1 and 2: Xerxes travels west from his capital, Susa, and loses a war in Sparta. "The Persian wars" chronicles Xerxes' international humiliation and the despot's rages along the way. Xerxes bullies and blames subordinates; destroys property and cuts a swathe from Persia to Sparta; acts pompously; and exhibits angry outbursts when crossed or thwarted. Herodotus confirms that generals, enemies, and aides tiptoe around this international bully. One, however, does not. Artemisia, a woman ship commander, earns Xerxes' respect. When the battlefield of his life switches from Sparta back to Susa, the Bible presents a second model of courage, Esther, Xerxes' new queen. Walking confidently in the halls of power, this lovely "general" in regal 1 A shortened version of this article was presented in June 2009 in Stellenbosch, South Africa, at a conference in a colloquium of societies that included SASNES (South African Society of Near Eastern Studies). 'n vermenging van wysheid en vroulikheid, trotseer Ester Xerxes se woede-en neutraliseer dit.

In die skriflig, Aug 1, 2004

Genesis 20: A literary template for the prophetic tradition A close examination of Genesis 20 sho... more Genesis 20: A literary template for the prophetic tradition A close examination of Genesis 20 shows that the concept of prophet, which is mentioned for the first time in this chapter, is emphasised in three ways. First, God actively creates a new office-that of prophet. Second, he specifically gives a job description-that of intercessor. Third, he squarely sets in place a model-one that all subsequent prophets, prophetesses, and prophesies in some way follow and build upon. Significantly, Genesis 20 gives no indication that Abraham sought the designation of prophet or knew in advance it was coming. Abraham's new office emphasises God's sovereignty. Starting with Genesis 20, God establishes a pattern of maintaining for Himself the right first to choose Israel's prophets and later to choose its judges and kings. This article argues that Chapter 20 provides a ten-point foundation for the work of the prophet that the Hebrew Bible enlarges on in later books. Opsomming Genesis 20: 'n literêre sjabloon vir die profetiese tradisie 'n Noukeurige ontleding van Genesis 20 toon dat die konsep van profeet, wat vir die eerste keer in hierdie hoofstuk genoem word, op drie maniere benadruk word. Eerstens: God skep op 'n aktiewe wyse 'n nuwe amp-dié van profeet. Tweedens: God gee op 'n duidelike wyse 'n taakomskrywing-dié van voorbidder. Derders: Hy stel onmiskenbaar 'n model beskikbaar-een wat alle volgende profete, profetesse en profesieë in een of ander vorm navolg of daarop voortbou. Dit is belangrik om daarop te let dat Genesis 20 geen aanduiding gee dat Abraham

Journal for Semitics, 2005

The biblical text defines Rizpah in terms of her function and status as the concubine of Saul and... more The biblical text defines Rizpah in terms of her function and status as the concubine of Saul and daughter of Aiah (2 Sam 3:7). It introduces her in terms of her relationships to men. Men decide her fate as part of the spoils of war and bandy her name about as a magnet for testing loyalties. The mention of her name sets in motion a series of violent, bloody events that eventually establish David as king over all Israel. Yet the narrator muzzles her. Although silent and a pawn in the succession narrative, she nevertheless serves as a catalyst in king-making.

Old Testament essays, 2004

Extracted from text ... Ross, Allen P 2002. Creation & Blessing: A guide to the study and exp... more Extracted from text ... Ross, Allen P 2002. Creation & Blessing: A guide to the study and exposition of Genesis. 4th ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. 744 pages. Paperback. US $34, 99. ISBN 0-8010-2107-3. Allen P Ross has written an excellent study guide to Genesis. His prodigious book, which he refrains from calling a commentary, contains fine scholarship and an excellent survey of previous work on this first book of the Bible. His writing is so interesting that the book became for me more than a source; it became bedside reading material. Creation & Blessing is an essential reference work for those ..

Old Testament essays, 2002

Extracted from text ... BOOK REVIEWS OTE 15/3 (2002), 821-842 829 Hamilton, Victor P 2001. Handbo... more Extracted from text ... BOOK REVIEWS OTE 15/3 (2002), 821-842 829 Hamilton, Victor P 2001. Handbook on the Historical Books : Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah. Grand Rapids, MI : Baker Books. 557 pages. Hardback with dust cover. US $32,99. ISBN 0-810-2257-6. Victor P Hamilton's Handbook on the Historical Books : Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, published in 2001, complements his successful earlier work, Handbook on the Pentateuch : Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, which was published in 1982. While both books are a pleasure to read, the writing style and the handling of the historical books show an increased depth of scholarship and appreciation for the text over the intervening ..

Chris Mann - Whale talk; The Separating Self (after Hardy's The Self Unseeing) Robin Gallaher... more Chris Mann - Whale talk; The Separating Self (after Hardy's The Self Unseeing) Robin Gallaher Branch - "He's a Bureaucrat" h. le r. slabbert - Siberian swans (Laurens van der Post - Into Russia); Kruisdraer (Luk. 23:26)

In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi, 2004

A close examination of Genesis 20 shows that the concept of prophet, which is mentioned for the f... more A close examination of Genesis 20 shows that the concept of prophet, which is mentioned for the first time in this chapter, is emphasised in three ways. First, God actively creates a new office – that of prophet. Second, he specifically gives a job description – that of intercessor. Third, he squarely sets in place a model – one that all subsequent prophets, prophetesses, and prophesies in some way follow and build upon. Significantly, Genesis 20 gives no indication that Abraham sought the designation of prophet or knew in advance it was coming. Abraham’s new office emphasises God’s sovereignty. Starting with Genesis 20, God establishes a pattern of maintaining for Himself the right first to choose Israel’s prophets and later to choose its judges and kings. This article argues that Chapter 20 provides a ten-point foundation for the work of the prophet that the Hebrew Bible enlarges on in later books.

Die Kerkblad, 2008

Online Journal Abstract Information - Sabinet Online.

Old Testament essays, 2014

David W. Baker's commentary on Isaiah features extensive background material on the period in... more David W. Baker's commentary on Isaiah features extensive background material on the period in which the book of the prophet Isaiah was written and on neighbouring religions, cultures, writings, and artifacts. His work could well serve as a valued companion to a world religions class. It is not an exegetical commentary.

In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi, 2003

The Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maacah quells a rebellion (2 Sam. 20). Abigail, a beautiful and intel... more The Wise Woman of Abel Beth Maacah quells a rebellion (2 Sam. 20). Abigail, a beautiful and intelligent woman, rescues her household (1 Sam. 25). And the older sister of Moses, by tradition Miriam, saves her baby brother’s life (Ex. 2). These two women and a girl represent political saviours who facilitate the deliverance of a city, community, and an individual via persuasive words. As winners with words, these orators contribute dynamically to the biblical text by providing an alternative way of deliverance, one enabling it to come through a means other than the sword. Via perceptive persuasion, they guide those with whom they interact toward choosing life and the common good. This article takes a cross-disciplinary approach to the biblical text by looking at the persuasive communication techniques these two women and a girl employ so successfully.

Die Kerkblad, 2004

Online Journal Abstract Information - Sabinet Online.

Reformed Theology in Africa Series

Interpretation, Oct 12, 2020

In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi, 2004

This article presents a critical look at the story of the reign of Athaliah, the only ruling quee... more This article presents a critical look at the story of the reign of Athaliah, the only ruling queen of Israel or Judah in the biblical text. Double reference in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles shows her story’s importance and significance to the biblical writers. The largely parallel accounts read like a contemporary soap opera, for they contain murder, intrigue, harem politics, religious upheaval, and coup and counter-coup. Her story provides insights on the turbulent political climate of the ninth century BC. However, the purpose of the biblical writers is not to show Athaliah as the epitome of evil or that all women in power are evil.