Ezekiel’s Message of Hope and Restoration: Redaction-Critical Study of Ezekiel 1–7 by Hei Yin Yip

Abstract

Reviewed by: Ezekiel’s Message of Hope and Restoration: Redaction-Critical Study of Ezekiel 1–7 by Hei Yin Yip Vien V. Nguyen hei yin yip, Ezekiel’s Message of Hope and Restoration: Redaction-Critical Study of Ezekiel 1–7 (BZAW 532; Berlin: de Gruyter, 2021). Pp. xiv + 283. $99. This book is a revision of Hei Yin Yip’s doctoral dissertation, written under the supervision of Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer at the University of Aberdeen. In this study, Y. argues that the motif of hope and restoration is not limited to the literary unit of Ezekiel 33–48 but also resides in the redactional layers of Ezekiel 1–24, where the original message is predominantly of judgment and destruction (p. 5). Employing textual and redactional criticism and inner-biblical interpretation, Y. traces the motif of hope and restoration that is embedded within the redactional layers of Ezekiel 1–7 and hypothesizes its intended purpose. The study unfolds in two parts and follows the two investigative steps—the diachronic analysis and the exegetical analysis of the text. The first part (chaps. 2–6) deals with Ezekiel’s prophetic vocation and priestly role. The second part (chaps. 7–8) analyzes the reinstatement of the Zadokite priesthood. The two parts are bookended by an introduction and a conclusion. The introduction (chap. 1) outlines the aim of the study and its scope, the methods employed, the criteria for identifying texts, and the purpose of textual reuse. The conclusion (chap. 9) summarizes the study and offers suggestions for further studies. In chaps. 2 and 3, Y. examines Ezekiel’s call narrative (1:1–3:15) and commission (3:16b–27). In chap. 2, Y. argues that the original material (2:1–3:11) legitimizes Ezekiel’s call and role as Yhwh’s authentic prophet, as depicted in the account of the scroll eating. [End Page 150] The prophet is to convey Yhwh’s message obediently and be Yhwh’s living oracle. Y. identifies the Vision of the Glory (1:4–28) as an extension of the original narrative that reinforces Yhwh’s greatness and power, that is, Yhwh’s continued presence among the people in exile and supremacy over nations and deities. Chapter 3 continues Ezekiel’s call narrative, which has two parts. The first part is Ezekiel’s commission as a watchman to warn the rebellious people (3:16b–21). The warning offers the last chance to those who listen and repent. It also mitigates the severity of the divine judgment. In the second part, Ezekiel’s binding and muteness (3:22–27) symbolize the captivity of the exiles and the reinstatement of Ezekiel’s priestly role. Although restored, his priestly role as intercessor is disabled by muteness but is restored when Yhwh opens Ezekiel’s mouth. The subject of chaps. 4 and 5 is Ezekiel’s prophetic sign-acts as descriptions of Yhwh’s judgment against Jerusalem and the city’s inevitable fall. Chapter 4 centers on Ezekiel’s priestly role and his bearing of the people’s iniquity (4:4–8), suffering with and for the Israelites. As a priest, Ezekiel protests the instruction to cook food using human waste, a violation of purity regulations applied to priests (4:12–15). God responds by allowing Ezekiel to use cow dung as a substitute, which is perceived as an exemption from the purity law and the restoration of Ezekiel’s priestly purity (p. 128). In chap. 5, the redactional material (5:3–4) contrasts with the totality of God’s judgment in the original text (5:1–2). By its preservation of remnants, the redactional material conveys hope and restoration. This preservation is depicted in the symbol of saving one-third of the portion of the prophet’s shaved hair in his garment. In chap. 6, Y. addresses the oracle of judgment against the land of Israel in Ezekiel 7, depicting the announcement of the Day of Yhwh and the coming of Yhwh’s agent, referred to as a hostile king. His arrival leads to the desecration of the temple and the plundering of the Israelites’ property. But within the redactional expansions (7:5b–7a, 12b–14, 21–24), the embedded elements of...