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An Introduction to Themes in the Old Testament

The rib: the covenant lawsuit as a literary device

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Overview

Rib in prophetic literature and usual elements of the rib form.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

List the usual elements of the rib form.

Key term

What offer is made in Isaiah 1:18?

Key term

What is a rib in prophetic literature?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is a rib in prophetic literature?

    Model answer

    A rib is a covenant lawsuit. The prophet presents God as bringing a legal case against his people for breach of the covenant.

  2. 2

    List the usual elements of the rib form.

    Model answer

    The form usually contains a summons to witnesses, a recital of God's past benefits, an indictment of the accused, the dismissal of a false defence and the announcement of sentence.

  3. 3

    Whom does Isaiah 1:2 summon, and why?

    Model answer

    Isaiah 1:2 summons the heavens and the earth to hear. They stand as the witnesses to the covenant and can therefore testify against Israel.

  4. 4

    Which earlier text supplies the opening of Isaiah 1:2?

    Model answer

    The Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32:1-43 opens by calling on the heavens to give ear and the earth to hear the words of my mouth.

  5. 5

    What accusation follows in Isaiah 1:2-3?

    Model answer

    God says that he reared children who have rebelled against him. The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master's crib, but Israel does not know and does not understand.

  6. 6

    On what grounds does Isaiah 1:11-15 reject the people's worship?

    Model answer

    God declares that he has had enough of burnt offerings, that incense is an abomination and that he will hide his eyes from their prayers, because their hands are full of blood. Worship offered by those who practise injustice is refused.

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