The supernatural in the theomachy of 2 Maccabees 9:1–29 and its role in the communicative strategy: A syntactical, semantic and pragmatic analysis

Eugene Coetzer

doi:10.4102/hts.v74i3.5028

Abstract

Throughout the prefixed letters and narrative of 2 Maccabees, a frequent overemphasis is discovered on certain concepts within every section or pericope. This is a logical product of such a highly rhetorical work, as this links to the overarching narrative aim of the text. These emphases subsequently lead to the question of their significance specific to this text and its subject matter. This article consequently notes, firstly, that 2 Maccabees deals with sensitive or innovative ideas and moves to drastic ways of conceptualising history in order to substantiate these ideas. It is no surprise, therefore, that in 2 Maccabees 9, one would find an overemphasis on the supernatural drive of world events to prove that the God of the Jews duly and appropriately deals with the enemies of his people. In order to explicate and unfold this process, the main ideas will be highlighted, communicative strategy investigated and the possible impact on the reader and/or hearer outlined.

Highlights

One of the most striking confrontations in the text of 2 Maccabees is that between the Syrian king Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the God of the Jews
Contrary to the many other accounts of the death of the king, the text of 2 Maccabees exhibits the traditional pattern of the Divine Warrior (Doran 2012:198) where the persecutors of/perpetrators against the Jews are dealt with swiftly and directly by a holy and righteous representative, in this case God himself
This divine origination moves the reader to both compliance and pride in the Jewish cause and their Divine Warrior. This analysis of 2 Maccabees 9 explicates a highly aimed rhetorical strategy. This is shown through the vivid description of the death of Antiochus IV and in sharp contrast between the ending of the letter and the text that immediately follows

Summary

Introduction

One of the most striking confrontations in the text of 2 Maccabees is that between the Syrian king Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the God of the Jews. Contrary to the many other accounts of the death of the king, the text of 2 Maccabees exhibits the traditional pattern of the Divine Warrior (Doran 2012:198) where the persecutors of/perpetrators against the Jews are dealt with swiftly and directly by a holy and righteous representative, in this case God himself. The events described are not merely random but witness an orchestration – a struggle between a supernatural entity and an earthly ruler This strategy is seen in two things: an unnatural death (not by human hand) ascribed to TABLE 1: Summary of key contributions. Antiochus and a colourful description of his complete repentance and reversal

Methodology

Conclusion