Deuteronomy 28 and the Aramaic Curse Tradition

This examination of ancient curse traditions reveals insights about Deuteronomy 28 and its historical context, enhancing our understanding of its composition and function.

This study delves into the connections between Deuteronomy 28 and the curse traditions prevalent in the ancient Near East. It emphasizes the linguistic and cultural methods through which these traditions were transmitted to the text of Deuteronomy. By examining a wide array of materials, including Old Aramaic inscriptions, Laura Quick aims to highlight the significance of these Northwest Semitic texts as primary sources that can reshape our understanding of an ancient world typically viewed through the lenses of biblical or Mesopotamian scholarship.

In her analysis, Quick positions Deuteronomy 28 alongside these inscriptions to enhance our comprehension of the early history and purpose of the curses articulated within it. This exploration not only sheds light on the dating of the composition of Deuteronomy but also examines the motivations behind its creation. Furthermore, the book investigates the ritual context surrounding the use of curses and the establishment of covenants in the biblical era, arguing that the dynamic between orality and literacy plays a crucial role in the interpretation of the curses found in Deuteronomy.

Overall, this work significantly enriches our understanding of Deuteronomy 28 and its role in the literary history of ancient Israel and Judah, offering insights that extend to the composition of the Pentateuch or Torah as a unified text. The implications of Quick's findings resonate with scholars interested in the interplay of culture, language, and religious tradition in ancient texts.