An ‘undervalued’ salvation oracle in the book of Jeremiah: Jeremiah 50:4–5 (Masoretic text)

Abstract

The present article sets out to demonstrate that the promise of an eternal covenant in Jeremiah 50:5 plays a pivotal role in the book of Jeremiah Masoretic text (MT). In contrast to the promise of the new covenant in 31:31, this promise of an eternal covenant has received relatively little scholarly attention. A close reading of the salvation oracle in Jeremiah 50:4–5 does, however, reveal that the promise of an eternal covenant presents a distinctive voice when compared to that of the new covenant. Within its immediate context, the oracles against Babylon, the oracle in Jeremiah 50:4–5 introduces the subtheme: the restoration of Israel and Judah. Allusions to material in the preceding chapters reveal a dialogical relationship between Jeremiah 50:4–5 and the Foe from the North oracles in 4:5–6:30, the communal lament in 14:19–22 and the salvation oracle in 31:2–6. The placement of the oracles against Babylon in the MT of the book of Jeremiah had the effect that the hope expressed in Jeremiah 50:4–5 became more pronounced. In spite of the tragic events of 587 BCE., there was hope for a restoration of the covenantal relationship with Yahweh.

The article takes a close analysis of the salvation oracle in Jeremiah 50:4–5 MT as premise. In light of the intertextual character of the book of Jeremiah, allusions to material in the preceding chapters are explored.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The research highlights the pivotal role of the salvation oracle in Jeremiah 50:4–5 in the book of Jeremiah MT. It should be taken into consideration for the understanding of the book as a whole.