Loving the neighbour and the resident alien in Leviticus 19 as ethical redefinition of holiness
Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Old Testament Society of South Africa
Abstract
"Loving the neighbour " is generally accepted as fundamental to Judeo-Christian theological ethics. However, few reflect on the implications of extending "loving the neighbour" (Lev 19:18) to "loving the resident alien/foreigner" (Lev 19:33-34) within the context of the Holiness Code (Lev 17-26). This contribution argues that "holiness" is redefined in Leviticus 19 by combining the instructions related to cultic rituals (aimed at the priests) in Leviticus 1-16 with the theological-ethical issues (aimed at all Israelites) in Leviticus 17-26; thereby moving from "ascribed holiness" (granted by divine decree to cultic officials) to "achieved holiness" (available to all Israel through obedience) in the post-exilic period.
Description
CITATION: Bosman, H. L. 2018. Loving the neighbour and the resident alien in Leviticus 19 as ethical redefinition of holiness. Old Testament Essays, 31(3):571-590, doi:10.17159/2312-3621/2018/v31n3a10.
The original publication is available at http://www.scielo.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.scielo.org.za
Keywords
Bible. Leviticus, XVIX -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.
Citation
Bosman, H. L. 2018. Loving the neighbour and the resident alien in Leviticus 19 as ethical redefinition of holiness. Old Testament Essays, 31(3):571-590, doi:10.17159/2312-3621/2018/v31n3a10