Furnace Remelting as the Expression of YHWH’s Holiness: Evidence from the Meaning of qannā͗ ( קנא ) in the Divine Context

Abstract

In Bible, human qanna' (...) expresses a negative, self-destructive trait of character mainly related to envy and jealousy. In contrast, qanna' points to an essential attribute of YHWH, which relates both to holiness and to a fiery mode of action frequently imaged by volcanism. The metallurgical affinities of this volcanic representation, together with designation of rust accumulating on copper artifacts (verdigris) as qanna', suggest that qanna' is closely related to recycling of corroded copper through furnace remelting. This assumption is supported by metallurgical context of meaning of three wonders performed by Moses in name of YHWH (Exod 4:1-9), by evidence that qanna' mode of action evokes a fiery destroying process that spontaneously promotes a whole rejuvenation, and by extensive revitalizing powers attributed to furnace remelting in many ancient religions. It is concluded that our understanding of qanna', a notion of central importance in Israelite theology, is biased by extrapolation of human context of meaning of qanna' as to sphere.(ProQuest: ... denotes non-US-ASCII text omitted.)Very little information is revealed in Bible about origin, identity, and nature of YHWH. To clarify these points, special attention should be devoted to precise meaning of words expressing YHWH's most essential attributes. Among them, qanna' holds one of central importance. Considered a name for YHWH in Exod 34:14, it is likened to his whole holiness in Josh 24:19. Walther Eichrodt even considered qanna' to be the basic element in whole Old Testament idea of God.1 Our current understanding of qanna' as (or its related sentiments) is therefore quite disappointing. Divine and hubris are sometimes evoked in mythologies of ancient Near East, but in no way do they add greatness to gods.2 Rather, they crudely reveal limitations of their wisdom and/or powers.3 Accordingly, praise of divine jealousy by Israelites is difficult to understand, especially in light of acknowledged overextended powers of YHWH.4Obviously, such sentiment is not interpreted as pettiness or apprehension, and it is not assumed to jeopardize YHWH's status among Israelites. A problem remains, however: jealousy, in human context, is far from a positive sentiment. It reduces autonomy of subject by introducing dependence on source stimulating such a feeling.5 It is even frequently considered to be self-destructive.6 How can these features be blended, through a common appellation, with an essential attribute of a god acknowledged as supreme creator, (only) autonomous being (Exod 3:14), and god of gods (Deut 10:17, Ps 82:1)? Many explanations have been proposed to justify this singular situation.Some scholars have rejected interpretation of qanna' as jealousy.7 In their opinion, such a misunderstanding results from wide spectrum of feelings related to qanna'. They assume that human qanna' expresses primarily envy and jealousy, while its counterpart evokes primarily passion and determination.8 However, translation of qanna' as in so many Bible versions reveals that this distinction is not as clear-cut as one might desire.Other scholars consider that exclusivity required by YHWH from worshipers led those opposing his cult to call him by mocking nickname of 'el qanna' (the jealous god), as a play on 'el qoneh (the creator).9 One must still justify, however, how such derision may have been transformed into an essential attribute of YHWH and, moreover, into a symbol of holiness.Alternatively, divine jealousy is approached as an expression of intolerant exclusivity of cult of YHWH.10 This interpretation is supported by comparison of idolatry with prostitution and/or adultery, likening angry reaction of deity to conjugal jealousy. …