Non-Moses le Roux: Premises, promises and fulfilment in the work of J.H. le Roux

Abstract

Would it be altogether out of place tongue-in-cheek to compare and contrast J.H. le Roux with Moses – given that both of them are inextricably linked to the literature of the Pentateuch? Both figures took leadership positions, although not aspiring to such roles: Moses, of the legendary exodus group, in the various texts we know and debate so well; and Le Roux through the following:

• his work as historical exegete
• his leadership of the Old Testament Society of South Africa
• his pioneering work since 2000 with the Pro Pent concept, which had influenced various other such specialist exegesis groups (respectively, on the Psalms, the Prophets, the Apocalyptic Literature, Song of Songs, Wisdom, in general, and on the Qumran texts)
• in leading his students and readers to promising new electronic lands by means of telematic teaching and the influential website www.teo.co.za.

Aspects of these roles of Le Roux are taken into review in this contribution.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Old Testament scholarship and historiography.