Third semester, third try at exegesis. This time, the passage must be from the book of Ezekiel, which ought to provide for a very interesting time, seeing as this book has had an interesting history. The professor says that at one point, Jewish men had to reach a certain age to reach this book, and given some of the bizarre behavior some exhibited while reading it, it could not be read alone.

As it turns out, I've put my foot into the muck again in choosing to focus on some part of Ezekiel 16, which is the famous chapter about the harlot Jerusalem, the longest single allegory in the Bible. Naturally, the feminists don't particularly like this chapter, as a scan through the scholarly articles revealed a delightfully titled one called "The B---- had it Coming to Her"

Currently, I am debating whether to choose some part of 16:35-52, 53-58, or 59-63. Right now, my choice is leaning toward 35-43, not only because scholars have more to say about this part, but because it tends to fit into a theme for the semester:

"Wherefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD: Thus says the Lord GOD, Because your shame was laid bare and your nakedness uncovered in your harlotries with your lovers, and because of all your idols, and because of the blood of your children that you gave to them, therefore, behold, I will gather all your lovers, with whom you took pleasure, all those you loved and all those you loathed; I will gather them against you from every side, and will uncover your nakedness to them, that they may see all your nakedness. And I will judge you as women who break wedlock and shed blood are judged, and bring upon you the blood of wrath and jealousy. And I will give you into the hand of your lovers, and they shall throw down your vaulted chamber and break down your lofty places; they shall strip you of your clothes and take your fair jewels, and leave you naked and bare. They shall bring up a host against you, and they shall stone you and cut you to pieces with their swords. And they shall burn your houses and execute judgments upon you in the sight of many women; I will make you stop playing the harlot, and you shall also give hire no more. So will I satisfy my fury on you, and my jealousy shall depart from you; I will be calm, and will no more be angry. Because you have not remembered the days of your youth, but have enraged me with all these things; therefore, behold, I will requite your deeds upon your head, says the Lord GOD.

- Posted by in University at 1:28 AM