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the trickster revisited deception as a motif in the pentateuch
the trickster revisited deception as a motif in the pentateuch explores the use of deception in the pentateuch and uncovers a new understanding of the tricksters function in the hebrew bible . while traditional readings often whitewash the biblical characters exonerating them of any wrongdoing modern scholars often explain these tales as significant at some earlier point in israelite tradition . but this study asks the question what role does the trickster have in the later pentateuchal setting considering the work of victor turner and the mythic function of the trickster the trickster revisited explores the connections between tricksters the rite de passage pattern marginalization and liminality . marginalized individuals and communities often find trickster tales significant therefore trickster stories often follow a similar literary pattern . after tracing this pattern throughout the pentateuch specifically the patriarchal narratives and moses interaction with pharaoh in the exodus the book discusses the meaning these stories had for the canonizers of the pentateuch . the author argues that in the exile and post exilic period as the canon was forming the trickster was the perfect manifestation of israels self perception . the cognitive dissonance of prophetic words of hope and grandeur in light of a meager socio economic and political reality caused the nation to identify itself as the trickster . in this way israel could explain its lowly state as a temporary but still significant betwixt and between on the threshold of a rise in status i.e. the great imminent kingdom predicted by the prophets .
hardcover peter lang pub inc 2008 isbn13 9781433102264 isbn10 1433102269
book type nf isbn 13 9781433102264 number of pages 129 publisher peter lang pub inc release date 62135769600000