Description
Numbers 12 contains a notable cluster of terminology relating to family, broadly construed. This includes the metaphorical uses of mother and child (v.12) and father (v.14), wife (v.1), house (v. 7), and an implied siblinghood between Miriam, Aaron, and Moses (vv.1–2). This centrality of “family” in Numbers 12 has been acknowledged (c.f. Jeon and Achenbach), but the narrative role of “family” in the chapter, and what this might reveal about the redaction history of the text, has yet to be systemically examined. Drawing on narrative criticism, and especially Mieke Bal’s work on metaphor, this paper analyzes the role that “family” plays in the narrative structure and logic of the chapter — ultimately drawing together the seemingly unrelated topics of Moses’ marriage and prophetic authority. It will first examine each of the above-mentioned references and how they do (or do not) relate to conceptions of family. Next, it will detail their position in the narrative logic of the text. Finally, a suggestion will be offered as to how familial metaphors have been used as a literary device which helps to combine two otherwise disparate occurrences of complaint against Moses.| Period | 23 Nov 2024 |
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| Event title | Society of Biblical Literature: Annual Conference |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | San Diego, United StatesShow on map |