The Idea of Retribution in the Book of Ezekiel

Abstract

The objective of this dissertation is to examine the idea of retribution in the Book of Ezekiel. Chapter One introduces the problem by offering a brief review of some recent studies on the idea of retribution in the Old Testament. Koch's seminal paper, which sets the agenda for further discussion, is taken as the point of departure. His thesis of a mechanical relationship between action and consequence is shown to be untenable, but what remains to be shown is that retribution is not simply juridical in nature. The thesis of this dissertation is that underlying Ezekiel are three principles of retribution: covenant, the disposal of impurity, and poetic justice. The first principle, considered in Chapters Two and Three, is that the connection between act and consequence is governed by a covenant and hence is a juridical understanding. The consequence of one's action is determined by an external agent according to some agreed norms. These norms can be part of the terms of a covenant taken as a marriage covenant (Ez 16), or a vassal treaty (Ez 17), or a future covenant between Yahweh and Israel (Ez 20). These norms can also be the blessings and curses which are part and parcel of a covenant. By comparing Ezekiel with Lev 26, we find that Ezekiel employs this covenantal framework to relate action and consequence. The second principle, examined in Chapters Four and Five, is that impurity requires its resolution. That is, impurity should be confined or disposed of. One way to do this is to remove the source of impurity. Thus, the connection between action and consequence is likened to the connection between the production of impurity (i.e., the action) and the removal of the source of impurity (i.e., the consequence). Chapter Four looks into the idea of impurity in the OT in general and Ezekiel in particular and identifies three types of impurity: permanent, ritual and moral. While ritual impurity is the main concern of Leviticus, Ezekiel is preoccupied with moral impurity. Chapter Five investigates the relationship between impurity and retribution. The prime concern of the temple vision in Ez 8-11 is purity and here the main offence of the people is idolatry, resulting in the pollution of the temple/city. Thus, the slaughter in Ez 9 and the burning of the city Jerusalem in Ez 10 are responses to this pollution, the purpose of which is to remove the defilement caused. Moreover, the exile, the forced removal of the inhabitants from their land, is a reaction to the defilement of the land. The exile removes from the land the source of defilement so that the land will not be polluted any more. The third principle, examined in Chapter Six, is that the consequence should be like the action by incorporating some features of the action. This can be called the principle of "like for like" and texts exhibiting it are sometimes said to show poetic justice. This likeness is forged by the repetition of the same verb used in the action as in the consequence, the repetition of the same agent(s), the (re)use of the means for committing the deed as in executing the consequence, the portrayal of the consequence as outrageous as the deed, or rendering the action futile by the consequence. Chapter Seven provides a summary of the findings with conclusions concerning the relationship of these three principles and questions for future research.

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