Chaos and the Son of Man

Andrew Angel briefly reviews the work of Old Testament scholars on the mythological motif of God's battle with the dragon and the chaos waters. He also reviews works that touch on the existence of the motif in the period 515 BCE to 200 CE, noting the need for thorough survey of the motif in Hebrew literature of this period.There follows a study of forty-two Jewish and Christian texts (in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin), which establishes the fact that this mythological motif was well known in this period. Angel makes suggestions as to how this might offer fresh insights into the meaning of apocalyptic visions and texts that appear to refer to a 'son of man' figure in this period.

'Angel sets out his method in detail... this book is a useful catalogue of possible examples of Chaoskampf imagery' John J. Collins, Journal of Jewish Studies, Autumn 2007--Sanford Lakoff, 'This is a practical, perceptive, and well-written book that every scholar who wishes to study the Hebrew Chaoskampf tradition in early Judaism and Christianity must consult.' Lorenzo DiTomasso, RBL 05/2008--Sanford Lakoff "Review of Biblical Literature ", "well-written value" Theological Book Review Vol. 19 No. 1 2007--Sanford Lakoff, "I heartily recommend Chaos and the Son of Man as a helpful collection, analysis, and explication of Second Temple period texts which include the Chaoskampf tradition." David P. Melvin, Baylor University, Hebrew Studies 50 (2009)--Sanford Lakoff, "well-written value"Theological Book Review Vol. 19 No. 1 2007--,

The Revd Dr Andrew Angel holds degrees in theology, education and ministry from the universities of Oxford, Surrey, Nottingham and Christ Church Canterbury. He teaches Biblical Studies at the South East Institute for Theological Education, UK.