The Polemics of Exile in Jeremiah 26-45

This insightful book delves into the dynamics of authority in early Judaism, specifically within the context of The Polemics of Exile in Jeremiah 26-45.

In The Polemics of Exile in Jeremiah 26-45, the author explores the evolution of Israelite religion into early Judaism, highlighting the transition where scribes became the primary interpreters of divine will, overshadowing prophets and priests. This shift emphasized the interpretation of sacred texts as a means of divine revelation, reshaping the religious landscape of the time.

The book argues that scholars often perceive Jeremiah 26-45 as a compilation of episodes crafted during the Babylonian exile to validate Jeremiah's prophetic authority. However, the text's legitimacy was already recognized during the exile, suggesting that these chapters aimed to counter the growing influence of the Ezekiel tradition and the Zadokite priesthood. The Deuteronomistic scribes sought to maintain their authority by integrating their narratives within the established collection of Jeremianic literature.

By merging their ideological and political agenda with the revered legacy of Jeremiah, the Deuteronomists created a comprehensive literary work that significantly impacted Israel's intellectual and social history. The Polemics of Exile in Jeremiah 26-45 thus provides a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics during a pivotal period in Jewish history, illustrating how the interplay of authority, tradition, and text shaped religious identity.