Rhetoric in 1 Esdras 3:1–5:6 (the story of the three bodyguards): integration of Greek and Jewish features

Thesis

The origin and purpose of 1 Esdras have long been debated in relation to the canonical texts of 2 Chr 35–36, Ezra 1–10, and Neh 7:72[73]–8:13a, as well as the original language and composition process of 1 Esdras. The story of the Three Bodyguards (1 Esd 3:1–5:6) is a key text for illuminating these debates. My main objective is to demonstrate the purpose and function of the story of the Three Bodyguards in relation to the purpose and composition of 1 Esdras. To achieve this purpose, I employ rhetorical criticism to identify rhetorical features in the speeches of the story and to demonstrate that their significance in and beyond the story is associated. These rhetorical features help us to recognise the purpose and function of the Story and of 1 Esdras as a whole, and also shed light on the compositional development of the entire work. Further, I highlight the relationship of the Story to other Jewish literature of the Second Temple period, including the Jewish novella and the court tale (e.g., Greek Esther).

Through multi-layered rhetorical analyses, I demonstrate that all the speeches in the story contain rhetorical features that have been influenced by Greek culture (e.g., Greek rhetoric) as well as derived from the Hebrew Bible and/or the Septuagint. I argue that the Story’s mixed character represents the author’s selective scribal activity and reveals the literary aspect, theme, and motif of the story of the Three Bodyguards. All of which, I show, are of relevance to the structural features and purpose of 1 Esdras.

Through this process, I conclude that the book of 1 Esdras, including the story of the Three Bodyguards, was originally written in Greek and composed by the single author who acquired a Greek and Jewish education during the Hellenistic period. Further, the author’s purpose was to deliver the rhetorical message: Remember God’s truthful and salvific action and live together in accordance with God’s character, Law, and action.

Authors: Kwak, US

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-6r09evnyb
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: Korean, English
• Keywords: The Story of the Three Bodyguards; Septuagint; 1 Esdras; Humour