ResearchOnline@ND

Authors

Elizabeth Boase, University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow

Title

Constructing Meaning in the Face of Suffering: Theodicy in Lamentations

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2008

Abstract

This article explores the existence of theodic elements within the book of Lamentations. Drawing on the typology outlined by A. Laato and J. C. de Moor (Th eodicy in the World of the Bible [Leiden, 2003]) it is identified that Lamentations explores both retributive and educative theodicy within its poems. Other theodic solutions are not, however, present. Although these theodic solutions are present, it cannot be argued that Lamentations constitutes a theodicy as such. Rather, the poems raise and in turn subvert a range of possible theodic assertions in response to the existential crisis which emerged in the wake of the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BCE.

Comments

The author's final version of this article is available for download.

Staff and Students of the University of Notre Dame Australia may access the full text of this article here

This article may be accessed from the publisher here

Vetus Testamentum may be accessed from the National Library of Australia here

Recommended Citation

Boase, E. (2008). Constructing meaning in the face of suffering: Theodicy in Lamentations. Vetus Testamentum, 58(4-5), 449-468. doi:10.1163/156853308X325029