Identity, Identification, and Imitation: The Narrative Hermeneutics of Biblical Law

Abstract

One of the most interesting features of biblical law is the extent to which it is pervaded by narrative. Many biblical laws have a quasinarrative form, while others include within themselves a narrative reference of some sort. In their present context, all biblical laws have a narrative setting. Wherever one finds law in the Bible, one is in the presence of narrative as well.Despite its pervasiveness, this juxtaposition of law and narrative poses something of a challenge to the reader of the biblical text. Certainly, these two genres may be seen to call into play different conventions of reading. What, then, is the effect of their persistent association on how one reads the text of which both are a part?What is the difference between the conventions underlying our reading of biblical narrative and biblical law? One difference may perhaps be illustrated by comparing the following two passages:The LORD said to Moses, ‘Yet one more plague I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence; when he lets you go, he will drive you away completely.’ (Exodus 11:1)The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, ‘This month shall be for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you.’ (Exodus 12:1-2)