Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 76 No. 4, 2006.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
Separating Legislation from Charisma in Israel. A Narrative Analysis of Ex 18:13-27
Božo Lujić
; Katolički bogoslovni fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sažetak
In this article, with the aid of analytical methods the author examines Ex 18:13-27 as a complete text. That whole is marked as a formal structure of demands and executions. The text portrays an episode that infact contains good advice from a stranger, what is more, a priest of Midian Moses' father-in-law, Jethro. That advice nevertheless presumes noticing the character within the narration which in this particular method is known as foculism because the author directs all attention to the character in question. Jethro notices how Moses's practise of judgement relies on just one man which truly is not good: this is not good for Moses himself because it burdens him and this is not good for the people because it is compelled to long waiting.
Because of all this, Jethro gives Moses new advice to decentralise the statutes that is, to separate the charismatic role as a leader from concrete judging which should be conducted by others, chosen people according to the criteria that Jethro sets out. There are five criteria: to be chosen at large from the people; capable and God fearing men, men who are trustworthy and incorruptible. All these are features that to this day should be possessed by a judge if he wishes to conduct his service well.
Jethro of course does not strip Moses of his authority because he left him with the spiritual leadership of the people trusting him to pass on God's will in the form of the law and statutes of the people showing them the way to go. Nevertheless, Jethro believed that stating God' will was sufficient for Moses whereas other minor matters should be passed on to men chosen from the people.
The reader is particular interested in Moses' reaction. How will Moses react being God's chosen one and leader who obtained his charisma from God himself? Will he be offended by being corrected by a stranger, will he listen to his father-in-law's advice? The answer can be found when one realises that Moses listened to Jethro's advice and did just that.
This text is significant primarily because it describes how Israel's legislation emerged. It did not emerge of its own accord but its roots can be traced back infact to God's salvational acts, in this case in the actions described in the Book of Exodus. Apart from that the text is important because for the first time we see a message in the Bible to separate charisma from the law, or rather, judicial practise in Israel. They are nevertheless connected but are not the same and are both necessary for a healthy existence of a nation.
Ključne riječi
Jethro; Moses; seek advice from God; to judge; right; justice; the Law; statutes; charisma; service; legislation
Hrčak ID:
23695
URI
Datum izdavanja:
4.4.2007.
Posjeta: 1.886 *