Der traditionsgeschichtliche Hintergrund der prophetischen Gerichtsreden

The author of this monograph maintains that the broadly speaking two contending solutions to the problem of the Sitz im Leben of the various literary forms lumped together by Gunkel under "prophetische Gerichtsrede" are both right — and both wrong. Boecker ("Redeformen des israelitischen Rechtslebens”, Bonn dissertation 1959) is the latest to defend a profane origin in pre-trial and trial procedures, and his analysis is, von Waldow believes, not only the most precise to date but also convincing. However, Wiirthwein in his defence of a cultic origin was correct in his insistence on the content of the relevant prophetic passages, which are always concerned with obedience to the covenant-law. For there is one aspect of the general problem which Boecker cannot solve, viz., how Yahweh, whether as plaintiff or defendant, can also appear as judge. In the setting of a secular tribunal this makes no sense. It does make sense within the framework of the covenant, for here Yahweh is not only a partner but also — note that unlike the Hittite sovereignty treaties the biblical covenant invokes no gods as witnesses — the ultimate protector of the covenant relationship and therefore, in case of covenant infidelity, judge.