A Biblical Question
Here’s a quick question for Protestant readers, especially those who adhere to innerrancy and Sola Scriptura … although those of other traditions might jump in.
Look at the endings of these two books:
II Kings 25:27-30
Now it came to pass in the 37th year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the 12th month, on the 27th day of the month, that Evil-Merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison. He spoke kindly to him, and gave him a more prominent seat than those of the kings who were with him in Babylon. So Jehoiachin changed from his prison garments, and he ate bread regularly before the king all the days of his life. And as for his provisions, there was a regular ration given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.
Jeremiah 52:31-34
Now it came to pass in the 37th year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the 12th month, on the 27th day of the month, that Evil-Merodach king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison. He spoke kindly to him, and gave him a more prominent seat than those of the kings who were with him in Babylon. So Jehoiachin changed from his prison garments, and he ate bread regularly before the king all the days of his life. And as for his provisions, there was a regular ration given him by the king, a portion for each day, all the days of his life.
More than just a little similar. So … what does your tradition say about this similarity?
Filed under: Christianity • Mark O. • Religion
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
I guess I would first ask, what is the issue?
Rusty,
I’m not looking for “problems” or such, my question what the similarity means, what teaching/lesson does the text being identical have to offer?
Hmmm, I’m not sure the fact that the texts are parallel would have any lesson behind it. Repetition is an integral part of the ancient world’s literary technique, though. I wonder if there is an emphasis we’re supposed to take away from this. I’m also not aware of any particular take on this similarity from my church tradition.