Abstract
Most scholars who have attempted ecological interpretations of the Jonah narrative regard Jonah 4:6-11, especially the reference to the animals of Nineveh in 4:11, as an obvious starting point for a retrieval of ecological wisdom in the narrative. A notable exception is the Green Bible team, who selected, and printed in green, more than a thousand biblical passages which, in their view, support the aims and principles of creation care, including five passages from the Jonah narrative. However, not a single verse in Jonah chapter 4 is printed in green. A number of scholars indeed argue that no ecological wisdom can be retrieved from the passage under discussion, particularly 4:11, because the reference to animals is made in the context of forthcoming sacrifices from the newly pardoned, grateful Ninevites. Ehud Ben Zvi contends that a double reading of 4:11 is possible. This study argues that the work of Ben Zvi provides an angle from which more nuanced ecological readings of the Jonah narrative can be done.
Highlights
Most scholars who have attempted ecological interpretations of the Jonah narrative regard Jonah 4:6-11, especially the reference to the animals of Nineveh in 4:11, as an obvious starting point for a retrieval of ecological wisdom in the narrative
A number of scholars argue that no ecological wisdom can be retrieved from the passage under discussion, 4:11, because the reference to animals is made in the context of forthcoming sacrifices from the newly pardoned, grateful Ninevites
Ehud Ben Zvi contends that a double reading of 4:11 is possible
Summary
“And many animals.” Several scholars regard this phrase — the words that conclude the Jonah narrative — as an obvious starting point for an ecological reading of the narrative. Several scholars regard this phrase — the words that conclude the Jonah narrative — as an obvious starting point for an ecological reading of the narrative. Several exegetes argue that the first (re)readers of the narrative would understand the reference to animals in 4:11 in terms of a framework which emphasises God’s sovereignty, rather than God’s mercy These scholars say the text may not be about the boundlessness of divine love, which is aimed at non-human members of the earth community, but rather the limitless of God's power.[7]. The final section focuses on the implications of this exploration for ecological interpretations of the book of Jonah and biblical texts in general
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