Genesis 49 in its Literary and Historical Context

This book deals with the so-called "Blessing of Jacob" (Genesis 49) in all its aspects, discussing philological, literary and historical problems.After an introductory chapter a thoroughly discussed translation of Genesis 49 and an analysis of its poetical structure are presented, followed by the discussion of the genre-definition "tribal saying" (Stammesspruch), and a synchronic and diachronic analysis of Genesis 49 in its literary context (Gen. 47:29-49:33). The remarkable results of this analysis are finally discussed in relation to Israel's history.It is suggested that only part of the "Blessing" functioned within the (originally much shorter) deathbed account (Gen. 47:29-49:33*), reflecting the historical situation of the time of origin. Afterwards it was thoroughly worked up into its present shape to meet the conditions of later political development.

'...excellent work…' J. Lust, Revue de Théologie et de droit canonique de Louvain, 1999. 'This volume represents scholarship at its best.' Tim McLay, Review of Biblical Literature, 2000. '...a book which will be for many years the definitive work of reference on an important chapter in the history of interpretation for both Judaism and Christianity…' Diana Lipton, Journal of Royal Musical Association, 2000. 'The scope, depth, and cogency of the work are most impressive…the work is definitive, and it must be consulted by anyone…' Jerome T. Walsh, The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2000.

Raymond de Hoop, Ph.D. (1998) in Theology, Theological University of Kampen, published articles on Hebrew poetry and lexicography.