The a:B:B:a Chiasm of Identical Roots in Ezekiel

Abstract

In Ugarit-Forschungen I (1969) 1), M. DAHOOD recognized that the repetition of the same two roots arranged chiastically helped to clarify the stichometry and sense of some difficult passages in Ugaritic literature. In UT 77:38-39, aryrh wyrhyark reflects a chiasm of identical roots in the pattern A:B:B:A, and so can be translated Shed light the moon, and may the moon shed light upon you. Acceptance of the chiastic order reveals more sharply the sound of a song refrain which is partially obscured by a translation into English such as GORDON'S moon is bright, and may the moon shed light on thee! 2). The same pattern was also applied to UT 51: IV: 41-43 (= 'nt V:37-39) to bring out an inclusion that assists in determining the limits of the cola 3). In the same manner, such application of this device can shed more light on several prophetic texts in the Old Testament. It is not, of course, the definitive means of structuring the poetic prose of the writing prophets 4), but it can elucidate some passages as rather more poetic in form than has been previously recognized, and may add one small consideration in the never-ending problem of sorting out textual corruptions and additions from the original text. In general, it will be seen that the presence of this relatively intricate pattern strengthens the case against a too-free hand in eliminating so-called redundan-