Hendrik Bosman | Stellenbosch University (original) (raw)

Papers by Hendrik Bosman

STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, Nov 6, 2022

Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 2012

Acta Theologica, 2018

Why are scribes accused, in Jeremiah 8:8-9, of corrupting the "tôrāh"? The article contemplates p... more Why are scribes accused, in Jeremiah 8:8-9, of corrupting the "tôrāh"? The article contemplates possible answers to this question against the background of what is presupposed in the Book of Jeremiah with regards to "tôrāh" and being a scribe. Does this confront one with a response triggered by the reformation of Josiah (older interpretation) or by an indication of what took place much later during the gradual combination of Torah and Nebi'im as authoritative scripture in Persian and Hellenistic times (recent interpretation)? The article distinguishes between oral common law and written statutory law, in order to rectify anachronistic interpretations of all biblical laws as statutory laws (Berman 2014). The change from oral to written law, facilitated by the scribes, caused a legitimacy crisis and can be explained against the background of a new understanding of what "word of God" or "revelation" entailed (Van der Toorn 2013).

Old Testament essays, Nov 18, 2021

Ghana as well as the first translator of the Ten Commandments, Twelve Articles of Faith and parts... more Ghana as well as the first translator of the Ten Commandments, Twelve Articles of Faith and parts of the Catechism into Fante/Mfantse. However, he is also remembered as the first African to argue in writing that slavery was compatible with Christianity in the public lecture that he delivered at Leiden in 1742 on the topic, De Servitute Libertati Christianae Non Contraria. The Latin original was soon translated into Dutch and became so popular in the Netherlands that it was reprinted five times in the first year of publication. This contribution will pose the question: Was Capitein a sellout who soothed the Dutch colonial conscience as he argued with scholarly vigour in his dissertation that the Bible did not prohibit slavery and that it was therefore permissible to continue with the practice in the eighteenth century; or was he resisting the system by means of mimicry due to his hybrid identityas an African with a European education who wanted to spread the Christian message and be an educator of his people?

Any attempt to come to grips with 'the fear of the Lord' as a key concept for the interpretation ... more Any attempt to come to grips with 'the fear of the Lord' as a key concept for the interpretation of Old Testament wisdom, must appreciate that it is rooted in texts that presuppose an encounter with God that can cause a variety of responses: a feeling of horror or terror; as well as reverent awe that forms the basis of the pious veneration of the Lord in the form of obedience and praise. Although statistical analysis reveals a concentration of occurrences in Deuteronomy (and the so-called Deuteronomistic History), the Psalms and Wisdom literature, it does not presuppose a clear linear development. The theological interpretation of Old Testament wisdom literature must be aware of the ongoing creative tension between order (keeping the commandments) and mystery (fearing the Lord)-as summarized in the conclusion of the Book of Ecclesiastes (12:13).

This investigation of nineteenth century biblical interpretation in Southern Africa and its signi... more This investigation of nineteenth century biblical interpretation in Southern Africa and its significance in resistance against British imperialism suggests that one should clearly distinguish between the use of 'exodus' as a figurative or metaphoric description of the migration of sizable population groups as a result of various reasons and use of the concept to describe a specifically religiously-motivated journey which draws deliberately on the biblical tradition. The name Jerusalemgangers also requires some reflection and explanation. It is striking that during the nineteenth century numerous examples may be found of utopian construals of 'Jerusalem', from Brigham Young in Utah to secular Zionism across Europe. Although it is clear that the views held by the Jerusalemgangers were not representative of the larger population, they are an example of a small group who used the Bible as a narrative frame to establish their own hybrid identity by means of mimicry and resistance. Keywords: British imperialism; Jerusalemgangers ; nineteenth century biblical interpretation; Southern Africa; Utah; Zionism

The term 'fundamentalism' is often used to ridicule any strong religious conviction and greater c... more The term 'fundamentalism' is often used to ridicule any strong religious conviction and greater conceptual clarity must be achieved to do justice to conservative and evangelical approaches that are decidedly not fundamentalist. This contribution attempts to distinguish between conservative and fundamentalist modes of theological reflection and how this distinction is important within a South African context. Special attention will be given to the different interpretations of the Bible and history in response to Modernism. One of the main arguments is that conservative and evangelical theology become fundamentalist when it refuses to listen to or engage in dialogue with alternative points of view (the need for larger ears). This lack of tolerance becomes dangerous when it triggers the increase of the vehemence with which the own point of view is defended as 'the only' truth (the need for smaller horns).

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, Aug 14, 2012

WG Dever is a well known archaeologist who for more than a decade has become entangled in an exha... more WG Dever is a well known archaeologist who for more than a decade has become entangled in an exhausting polemical debate with so-called "minimalists" (PR Davies, NP Lemche, TL Thompson, KW Whitelam etc.). This review article attempts to describe common trends of thought in three of his recently published monographs and evaluate whether he has succeeded in reaching the goals he has set for himself. In conclusion no attempt will be made to harmonize the "maximalist-minimalist" debate since despite the often acerbic rhetoric, much needed attention was generated for gaining more conceptual clarity about the historicity of Old Testament narratives.

Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, Mar 28, 2019

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, Jun 12, 2013

Old Testament essays, 2013

Psalm 114:1 provides a unique description of the exodus as an escape from "a people of strange la... more Psalm 114:1 provides a unique description of the exodus as an escape from "a people of strange language / a people of foreign tongue / ‫ז‬ ‫�ﬠֵ‬ ‫ם‬ ‫"ﬠַ‬ and not from slavery. Attention is given to the skilfully composed hymn-like psalm consisting of four strophes of paired synonymous parallel verses as part of the "Egyptian Hallel." An argument is developed that the reinterpretation of the exodus as a rescue from the cultural oppression experienced by exiles and marginalised or subjugated peoples is the result of a creative combination of theological traditions related to YHWH as creator and king. In conclusion suggestions are made about the reason for considering the Judean exile in Babylonia and the subservience of Yehud during the Persian Empire as contexts within which this reinterpretation of the exodus made sense.

BRILL eBooks, 2009

As part of an urgent plea or prayer for divine intervention the author of Isaiah 51:911 combines ... more As part of an urgent plea or prayer for divine intervention the author of Isaiah 51:911 combines possible allusions to creation and the exodus as analogous events in the past in response to the suffering endured during the Babylonian Exile. It is surprising that the possible allusion to creation seems to have more in common with Ancient Near Eastern mythology than with the biblical creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2. The mythological allusions can also be interpreted as metaphors and memories that provide comfort for the suffering. The possible combination of creation and exodus motifs during the time of the Babylonian exile might therefore be a good example of an imaginative process of metaphorisation to provide a suitable theological response to suffering. The memories of creation and exodus are much more than inert mythological fossils embedded in the religious traditions of Israel.Keywords: Babylonian exile; Genesis 1; Isaiah 51:911; mythological allusion

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, Jun 12, 2013

Profile ofthe group This Anglican Bible study group came into existence three years ago in Belhar... more Profile ofthe group This Anglican Bible study group came into existence three years ago in Belhar as a share and support group and still seems to be more comfortable with sharing personal experiences than being involved in strenuous Bible study. The leader of the Bible study group is a former teacher and she seems to be comfortable with both Afrikaans and English. It is interesting that despite the fact that only one Afrikaans translation was utilised, as opposed to two English Bible translations, most of the discussion was conducted in Afrikaans. Most of the twelve members of this group are middle-aged females, with only a sprinkling of older males and young male participants were conspicuous by their absence. Females conducted all of the readings from Scripture, and with one exception, middle-aged members did all the Scripture readings. In fact, the few younger members present made almost no contribution whatsoever. The group dynamics of this Bible study group seems to boil down to the following: in matters of Bible study they seem to depend heavily on the input of the leader and a few of the more senior members; but there is spontaneous participation from different members when the discussion involves the sharing of one's personal experience of the grace of God that intervenes in the lives of the needy. The Bible study itself centred on the leader who patiently tried to guide the discussion in ways she saw fit. Members responded to the input of the leader in a somewhat haphazard way, since they usually take their own life experience as point of departure.

Old Testament essays, 2018

Loving the neighbour" is generally accepted as fundamental to Judeo-Christian theological ethics.... more Loving the neighbour" is generally accepted as fundamental to Judeo-Christian theological ethics. However, few reflect on the implications of extending "loving the neighbour" (Lev 19:18) to "loving the resident alien/foreigner" (Lev 19:33-34) within the context of the Holiness Code (Lev 17-26). This contribution argues that "holiness" is redefined in Leviticus 19 by combining the instructions related to cultic rituals (aimed at the priests) in Leviticus 1-16 with the theological-ethical issues (aimed at all Israelites) in Leviticus 17-26; thereby moving from "ascribed holiness" (granted by divine decree to cultic officials) to "achieved holiness" (available to all Israel through obedience) in the post-exilic period.

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, Jun 12, 2013

The final position of the tenth commandment might suggest that it is intended as the climactic st... more The final position of the tenth commandment might suggest that it is intended as the climactic statement of a series of 'ten words' and is linked to the first commandment to form an inclusio. While the first commandment insists that there is no other God and that this is rooted in an internal posture; so too the tenth commandment is opposed to an inner attitude of self-interest that could influence and precipitate actions that violate one of the preceding commandments.

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, Jun 12, 2013

This contribution provides a survey of existing scholarship on the nature and extent of the 'imag... more This contribution provides a survey of existing scholarship on the nature and extent of the 'image of God/imago Dei' according to the Old Testament. Some of the aspects that will be discussed are: Image in the physical sense with the focus on selem in Genesis 1-humankind as representing the divine. Image in a spiritualized sense with the focus on demût in Genesis 1-humankind as resembling the divine. Image as attribute or relationship-in conversation with Barth and Bonhoeffer. A few concluding remarks will be made about human dignity and Old Testament anthropology as a theological synthesis between the Egyptian emphasis on humankind as a royal being and the Mesopotamian (Assyrian and Babylonian) view of humankind as a slave to do the most menial of work.

Old Testament essays, Jul 13, 2023

Abomination does not appear in the earliest legal collection (Covenant Code) but in Deuteronomy a... more Abomination does not appear in the earliest legal collection (Covenant Code) but in Deuteronomy and Deuteronomistic literature, it refers to what is incompatible with YHWH both cultically and ethically in order to maintain the uniqueness of the holy YHWH in the cult and of Israel amongst its neighbours. Abomination is also not used in priestly literature but only in the youngest of the legal collections (Holiness Code). The prohibition of male-male sexual intercourse in Lev 18:22 and 20:13 should be read contextually by relating it to its specific literary and theological-ethical context and not just accepting it as an unconditional legal instruction in general. It is rather a parenetic call to guard against incest as a shaming act that damages the honour of a family. It also entails the rhetorical appeal to the holiness and honour of YHWH as motivation for regulating sexual relations in the family in terms of procreationprocreation not as a timeless creational order but a contextually informed concept that strikes a balance between holiness and honour as well as defilement and shame, informed by the introductory focus on atonement in Lev 16, the reading of Lev 18 during Yom Kippur and the centrality of love for the neighbour and stranger in Lev 19.

Encyclopedia of the Bible Online, Sep 30, 2013

STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, Nov 6, 2022

Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 2012

Acta Theologica, 2018

Why are scribes accused, in Jeremiah 8:8-9, of corrupting the "tôrāh"? The article contemplates p... more Why are scribes accused, in Jeremiah 8:8-9, of corrupting the "tôrāh"? The article contemplates possible answers to this question against the background of what is presupposed in the Book of Jeremiah with regards to "tôrāh" and being a scribe. Does this confront one with a response triggered by the reformation of Josiah (older interpretation) or by an indication of what took place much later during the gradual combination of Torah and Nebi'im as authoritative scripture in Persian and Hellenistic times (recent interpretation)? The article distinguishes between oral common law and written statutory law, in order to rectify anachronistic interpretations of all biblical laws as statutory laws (Berman 2014). The change from oral to written law, facilitated by the scribes, caused a legitimacy crisis and can be explained against the background of a new understanding of what "word of God" or "revelation" entailed (Van der Toorn 2013).

Old Testament essays, Nov 18, 2021

Ghana as well as the first translator of the Ten Commandments, Twelve Articles of Faith and parts... more Ghana as well as the first translator of the Ten Commandments, Twelve Articles of Faith and parts of the Catechism into Fante/Mfantse. However, he is also remembered as the first African to argue in writing that slavery was compatible with Christianity in the public lecture that he delivered at Leiden in 1742 on the topic, De Servitute Libertati Christianae Non Contraria. The Latin original was soon translated into Dutch and became so popular in the Netherlands that it was reprinted five times in the first year of publication. This contribution will pose the question: Was Capitein a sellout who soothed the Dutch colonial conscience as he argued with scholarly vigour in his dissertation that the Bible did not prohibit slavery and that it was therefore permissible to continue with the practice in the eighteenth century; or was he resisting the system by means of mimicry due to his hybrid identityas an African with a European education who wanted to spread the Christian message and be an educator of his people?

Any attempt to come to grips with 'the fear of the Lord' as a key concept for the interpretation ... more Any attempt to come to grips with 'the fear of the Lord' as a key concept for the interpretation of Old Testament wisdom, must appreciate that it is rooted in texts that presuppose an encounter with God that can cause a variety of responses: a feeling of horror or terror; as well as reverent awe that forms the basis of the pious veneration of the Lord in the form of obedience and praise. Although statistical analysis reveals a concentration of occurrences in Deuteronomy (and the so-called Deuteronomistic History), the Psalms and Wisdom literature, it does not presuppose a clear linear development. The theological interpretation of Old Testament wisdom literature must be aware of the ongoing creative tension between order (keeping the commandments) and mystery (fearing the Lord)-as summarized in the conclusion of the Book of Ecclesiastes (12:13).

This investigation of nineteenth century biblical interpretation in Southern Africa and its signi... more This investigation of nineteenth century biblical interpretation in Southern Africa and its significance in resistance against British imperialism suggests that one should clearly distinguish between the use of 'exodus' as a figurative or metaphoric description of the migration of sizable population groups as a result of various reasons and use of the concept to describe a specifically religiously-motivated journey which draws deliberately on the biblical tradition. The name Jerusalemgangers also requires some reflection and explanation. It is striking that during the nineteenth century numerous examples may be found of utopian construals of 'Jerusalem', from Brigham Young in Utah to secular Zionism across Europe. Although it is clear that the views held by the Jerusalemgangers were not representative of the larger population, they are an example of a small group who used the Bible as a narrative frame to establish their own hybrid identity by means of mimicry and resistance. Keywords: British imperialism; Jerusalemgangers ; nineteenth century biblical interpretation; Southern Africa; Utah; Zionism

The term 'fundamentalism' is often used to ridicule any strong religious conviction and greater c... more The term 'fundamentalism' is often used to ridicule any strong religious conviction and greater conceptual clarity must be achieved to do justice to conservative and evangelical approaches that are decidedly not fundamentalist. This contribution attempts to distinguish between conservative and fundamentalist modes of theological reflection and how this distinction is important within a South African context. Special attention will be given to the different interpretations of the Bible and history in response to Modernism. One of the main arguments is that conservative and evangelical theology become fundamentalist when it refuses to listen to or engage in dialogue with alternative points of view (the need for larger ears). This lack of tolerance becomes dangerous when it triggers the increase of the vehemence with which the own point of view is defended as 'the only' truth (the need for smaller horns).

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, Aug 14, 2012

WG Dever is a well known archaeologist who for more than a decade has become entangled in an exha... more WG Dever is a well known archaeologist who for more than a decade has become entangled in an exhausting polemical debate with so-called "minimalists" (PR Davies, NP Lemche, TL Thompson, KW Whitelam etc.). This review article attempts to describe common trends of thought in three of his recently published monographs and evaluate whether he has succeeded in reaching the goals he has set for himself. In conclusion no attempt will be made to harmonize the "maximalist-minimalist" debate since despite the often acerbic rhetoric, much needed attention was generated for gaining more conceptual clarity about the historicity of Old Testament narratives.

Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, Mar 28, 2019

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, Jun 12, 2013

Old Testament essays, 2013

Psalm 114:1 provides a unique description of the exodus as an escape from "a people of strange la... more Psalm 114:1 provides a unique description of the exodus as an escape from "a people of strange language / a people of foreign tongue / ‫ז‬ ‫�ﬠֵ‬ ‫ם‬ ‫"ﬠַ‬ and not from slavery. Attention is given to the skilfully composed hymn-like psalm consisting of four strophes of paired synonymous parallel verses as part of the "Egyptian Hallel." An argument is developed that the reinterpretation of the exodus as a rescue from the cultural oppression experienced by exiles and marginalised or subjugated peoples is the result of a creative combination of theological traditions related to YHWH as creator and king. In conclusion suggestions are made about the reason for considering the Judean exile in Babylonia and the subservience of Yehud during the Persian Empire as contexts within which this reinterpretation of the exodus made sense.

BRILL eBooks, 2009

As part of an urgent plea or prayer for divine intervention the author of Isaiah 51:911 combines ... more As part of an urgent plea or prayer for divine intervention the author of Isaiah 51:911 combines possible allusions to creation and the exodus as analogous events in the past in response to the suffering endured during the Babylonian Exile. It is surprising that the possible allusion to creation seems to have more in common with Ancient Near Eastern mythology than with the biblical creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2. The mythological allusions can also be interpreted as metaphors and memories that provide comfort for the suffering. The possible combination of creation and exodus motifs during the time of the Babylonian exile might therefore be a good example of an imaginative process of metaphorisation to provide a suitable theological response to suffering. The memories of creation and exodus are much more than inert mythological fossils embedded in the religious traditions of Israel.Keywords: Babylonian exile; Genesis 1; Isaiah 51:911; mythological allusion

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, Jun 12, 2013

Profile ofthe group This Anglican Bible study group came into existence three years ago in Belhar... more Profile ofthe group This Anglican Bible study group came into existence three years ago in Belhar as a share and support group and still seems to be more comfortable with sharing personal experiences than being involved in strenuous Bible study. The leader of the Bible study group is a former teacher and she seems to be comfortable with both Afrikaans and English. It is interesting that despite the fact that only one Afrikaans translation was utilised, as opposed to two English Bible translations, most of the discussion was conducted in Afrikaans. Most of the twelve members of this group are middle-aged females, with only a sprinkling of older males and young male participants were conspicuous by their absence. Females conducted all of the readings from Scripture, and with one exception, middle-aged members did all the Scripture readings. In fact, the few younger members present made almost no contribution whatsoever. The group dynamics of this Bible study group seems to boil down to the following: in matters of Bible study they seem to depend heavily on the input of the leader and a few of the more senior members; but there is spontaneous participation from different members when the discussion involves the sharing of one's personal experience of the grace of God that intervenes in the lives of the needy. The Bible study itself centred on the leader who patiently tried to guide the discussion in ways she saw fit. Members responded to the input of the leader in a somewhat haphazard way, since they usually take their own life experience as point of departure.

Old Testament essays, 2018

Loving the neighbour" is generally accepted as fundamental to Judeo-Christian theological ethics.... more Loving the neighbour" is generally accepted as fundamental to Judeo-Christian theological ethics. However, few reflect on the implications of extending "loving the neighbour" (Lev 19:18) to "loving the resident alien/foreigner" (Lev 19:33-34) within the context of the Holiness Code (Lev 17-26). This contribution argues that "holiness" is redefined in Leviticus 19 by combining the instructions related to cultic rituals (aimed at the priests) in Leviticus 1-16 with the theological-ethical issues (aimed at all Israelites) in Leviticus 17-26; thereby moving from "ascribed holiness" (granted by divine decree to cultic officials) to "achieved holiness" (available to all Israel through obedience) in the post-exilic period.

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, Jun 12, 2013

The final position of the tenth commandment might suggest that it is intended as the climactic st... more The final position of the tenth commandment might suggest that it is intended as the climactic statement of a series of 'ten words' and is linked to the first commandment to form an inclusio. While the first commandment insists that there is no other God and that this is rooted in an internal posture; so too the tenth commandment is opposed to an inner attitude of self-interest that could influence and precipitate actions that violate one of the preceding commandments.

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, Jun 12, 2013

This contribution provides a survey of existing scholarship on the nature and extent of the 'imag... more This contribution provides a survey of existing scholarship on the nature and extent of the 'image of God/imago Dei' according to the Old Testament. Some of the aspects that will be discussed are: Image in the physical sense with the focus on selem in Genesis 1-humankind as representing the divine. Image in a spiritualized sense with the focus on demût in Genesis 1-humankind as resembling the divine. Image as attribute or relationship-in conversation with Barth and Bonhoeffer. A few concluding remarks will be made about human dignity and Old Testament anthropology as a theological synthesis between the Egyptian emphasis on humankind as a royal being and the Mesopotamian (Assyrian and Babylonian) view of humankind as a slave to do the most menial of work.

Old Testament essays, Jul 13, 2023

Abomination does not appear in the earliest legal collection (Covenant Code) but in Deuteronomy a... more Abomination does not appear in the earliest legal collection (Covenant Code) but in Deuteronomy and Deuteronomistic literature, it refers to what is incompatible with YHWH both cultically and ethically in order to maintain the uniqueness of the holy YHWH in the cult and of Israel amongst its neighbours. Abomination is also not used in priestly literature but only in the youngest of the legal collections (Holiness Code). The prohibition of male-male sexual intercourse in Lev 18:22 and 20:13 should be read contextually by relating it to its specific literary and theological-ethical context and not just accepting it as an unconditional legal instruction in general. It is rather a parenetic call to guard against incest as a shaming act that damages the honour of a family. It also entails the rhetorical appeal to the holiness and honour of YHWH as motivation for regulating sexual relations in the family in terms of procreationprocreation not as a timeless creational order but a contextually informed concept that strikes a balance between holiness and honour as well as defilement and shame, informed by the introductory focus on atonement in Lev 16, the reading of Lev 18 during Yom Kippur and the centrality of love for the neighbour and stranger in Lev 19.

Encyclopedia of the Bible Online, Sep 30, 2013