The Numerical Features of the Book of Genesis A New Approach to its Compositional Structure

Transcription

1 The Numerical Features of the Book of Genesis A New Approach to its Compositional Structure Please read the General Introduction Part VII, Genesis 7,-0, The Toledoth of Jacob The Story of Joseph is a well-constructed masterpiece of storytelling. There is no doubt about the literary skill of its author or the basic unity of the story, including the episode of Judah and Tamar in Chapter 8, which has generally been regarded as an erratic block in the story. In terms of the storyline in the Story of Ancient Israel in Genesis-Kings, its function is clearly to set the stage for the events described in the book of Exodus. In order to detect the compositional structure of the text I divide it into sections of disproportionate length strictly in accordance with the Masoretic layout markers. This division proved to be in agreement with the contents in terms of the various episodes. In light of this, I consider Section V,,-,8 a distinct literary entity, despite the fact that there is no layout marker after,8. The Petuchah after,7, in the middle of a coherent narrative, may appear strange to West European thinking about the flow of thought in a story. However, the positioning of the Petuchah can be explained as marking a crucial turning point in the story, when Judah steps up to Joseph and speaks to him about his plan to let the father of the boys be brought to Egypt. I therefore treat this P as a normal demarcation device. Compare the use of the P (in the middle of a verse!) to mark a crucial turning point in, and in Deut,8 see page in my analysis of Deuteronomy. This is how the text divides into Sections (the number symbolically represents Jocob s : Section I, 7,- Joseph sold into Egyptian slavery P verses Section II 8,-0 The story of Judah and Tamar S 0 verses Section III 9,- Joseph s life in Egypt: he ends up in prison S + verses Section IV 0,- Joseph interprets the dreams of the butler and baker P + verses Section V,-,8 Joseph rises from slave to Governor of Egypt 9+ verses Section VI,-,7 Joseph s brothers confronted with him in Egypt P =9 verses Section VII,8-,7 Jacob and his household emigrate to Egypt S verses Section VIII,8-7 Jacob s descendants who emigrated to Egypt P verses Section IX,8-7, The Israelites in Goshen: Joseph s land reforms P 8+ verses Section X 8,- The ailing Jacob blesses Joseph s sons P + verses Section XI 9,- Jacob s testamentary blessing for his sons P + verses Section XII 9,7-0, The death of Jacob and Joseph End =9. Sections III-VI, dealing with Joseph s life in Egypt, are made up of altogether 9 verses, which is a multiple (x) of 8, the numerical value of (0+++7=8). This should certainly not be waved aside as a matter of coincidence, for this is a typical example of the scribal device of using the numerical value of the name of a character to signify his signature for more examples, see in Part IV page (Abram) and page (Rebecca), and in Part V pages 8-9 (Jacob). Sections VI and VII occupy pride of place at the centre of the twelve Sections: =++. The importance of the events described here, which ultimtely lead to the sojourn of the Israelites in Egypt, is extra highlighted by the fact that the two sections are made up of (x7) and (x) verses respectively. Another significant numerical feature is that Sections IX-XII, dealing with the sojourn of the Israelites in Goshen, have altogether 9 (7x7) verses, which symbolize the sevenfold presence of God in Goshen. Let us now explore the numerical features of the twelve Sections. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

2 Section I 7,- Joseph Sold into Egyptian Slavery Vss Texts Words Letters Sum words P/S Gen 7, Joseph s dreams of greatness Gen 7, 0 Joseph is pampered by his father, which Gen 7, 9 results in the jealousy and hatred of his Gen 7, brothers. Highlighted by (9x7) words. Gen 7, 8(=7)+ 7 Joseph s first dream: the brothers Gen 7, sheaves bowing before his, is emphasized 7 Gen 7,8 8=(x7) 9 0 by (x7) words. 8 Gen 7, Gen 7,0 8 (9x7) 0 Gen 7, 7 0/0 This conclusion is made up of letters. Gen 7, Jacob sends Joseph to his brothers Gen 7, 7 8 Gen 7, Note the 8 letters in v. Gen 7, 0 09 It is only the information given by the Gen 7, stranger about the whereabouts of the Gen 7,7 = /7 brothers that is highlighted: words. 7 Gen 7,8 9 Joseph in great danger in Dothan 8 Gen 7,9 9 The decision of the brothers to kill him 9 Gen 7,0 7/ is not specifically highlighted. 0 Gen 7, 8+ 7 Note the letters in vs and. Gen 7, However, Reuben s proposal to save Gen 7, + 8 Joseph s life by letting him be thrown Gen 7, 9+ into a pit, as well as Judah s suggestion Gen 7, 9+ 9 to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites, is Gen 7, + highlighted by the 0 (x7) words of Gen 7,7 (=)=0 9/0(x7) these seven verses. 7 Gen 7, Joseph carried away to Egypt 8 Gen 7, The entire paragraph, Reuben s reaction 9 Gen 7, when he sees the empty pit and the 0 Gen 7, =+ steps taken by the other brothers to Gen 7, 7 8 mislead Jacob is specifically highlighted. Gen 7, Jacob s reaction, when he recognizes Gen 7, 9 Joseph s robe, and his mourning for his Gen 7, son are not highlighted. Note, however, Gen 7, 0 0x 87/8 P the 8 (x7) letters of v. 7, Observation The numerical features in Columns and are self-explanatory. In terms of verses and words, of the verses (%) and 0 of the 87 words (7%) are governed by 7 and. For the additional numerical features of the dialogues and the narrative sections, see below. The remark in v about the sale of Joseph to Potiphar is a typical cliffhanger anticipating the story of Joseph and Potiphar s wife in Chapter 9. The reader has to remain in suspence for a while because of the intermezzo in Chapter 8, the story of Judah and Tamar. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

3 The Dialogues and Narrative in Section I, 7,- Joseph + Brothers Jacob Narrative 8 (x7) = A man 0 A man = Reuben + = Judah 0+ Reuben = Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

4 Man 9 Joseph Brothers 78(x) 8 Jacob 9 /8 7(x7) Observation The most significant feature in terms of the dialogues and narrative is that Joseph s brothers speak in total 78 (x) words: in vs 8-0 the brothers speak words; in vs - Reuben speaks 7 words, and in the rest of the story Reuben and Judah, the two brothers who try to save Joseph, speak altogether words. This means that 7 (78++7+) of the 87 words (0%) are additionally governed by the two divine name numbers. The opening narrative (vs -) has 8 (x7) words and all narrative sections taken together (excluding the 8 words in the introductions) are made up of 7 (x7) words. Section II 8,-0 The Story of Judah and Tamar Vss Texts Words Letters Sum words S Contents and Structure Gen 8, + 8 The birth of Judah s three sons Gen 8, + Gen 8, 7+ The entire paragraph is highlighted. Gen 8, Gen 8, =(x7) / Gen 8, Er and Onan die: Tamar is widowed 7 Gen 8, Gen 8, The entire paragraph is highlighted. 9 Gen 8, Gen 8, Gen 8, Gen 8, Gen 8, 9+ 7 Gen 8, =0(x) 9 8/0 Gen 8, Judah gives a pledge and lies with Tamar Gen 8, Gen 8,7 + 7 The entire paragraph is highlighted. 8 Gen 8, Gen 8,9 8=8 8 9/8 0 Gen 8,0 + 7 The exposure of Judah and the birth of Gen 8, + 79 Tamar s twins Gen 8, + 9 The entire paragraph is highlighted. Gen 8, + 07 Gen 8, Extra highlighted is Judah s sentence: 7 words. Gen 8, + 80 Gen 8, + 7 Gen 8,7 + 7 The birth of the twins: Perez and Zerah 8 Gen 8, Gen 8,9 + 9 Note the seven verses in which multiples of 0 Gen 8,0 0=(x) 0/ S 7 and constitute the number of letters! 0 8,-0 0 x 0 number of letters: (89x7)! Observation In this case the entire text, consisting of 0 words, is for 00% governed by multiples of 7 and (+0+8+=0). This also goes for the number of letters: (89x7). 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

5 The Dialogues and Narrative in Section II, 8,-0 8, Judah Tamar e.a. Narrative 9 8 Friend Friend 0 9 Friend Judah 0 Townsmen Tamar Townsmen Townsmen 7 Tamar 7 Midwife + + Tamar 9= Townsmen = 7 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

6 Observation A word count of the speeches and the narrative sections in Genesis 8 has shown that Judah speaks altogether 0 words, his friend. Judah s string of 9 speeches is meticulously built up as follows: 9+8(=7)++(=)++++(=[x7])+9=0. The townsmen speak altogether 7 words, Tamar speaks 9 and the midwife 7, altogether words. For an earlier attempt to detect the numerical features of Genesis 8 and to explain its positioning and function within the Story of Joseph, see The Story of Judah and Tamar (008). See especially the detailed study of the relationship between Judah and Joseph by Benedikt Hensel, Die Vertauschung des Erstgeburtssegens in der Genesis (BZAW ), de Gruyter: Berlin, 0, pp 8-. Section III 9,- Joseph and the Wife of Potiphar Vss Texts Words Letters Sum words S Contents and Structure Gen 9, 7 YHWH is with Joseph and he prospers Gen 9, 7 Gen 9, YHWH causes all Joseph s deeds to prosper: Gen 9, + he finds favour in Potiphar s sight. Moreover, Gen 9, =(x) YHWH s blessing is upon all that Potiphar has. Gen 9, Potiphar s wife tries to seduce Joseph 7 Gen 9,7 + 8 Gen 9, The entire paragraph is brought into the 9 Gen 9,9 + 8 focus of attention by the fact that it is made 0 Gen 9, up of (9x7) words. Gen 9, + 8 Gen 9, Gen 9, Gen 9, Gen 9, =(9x7) Gen 9, Accused of rape, he ends up in prison 7 Gen 9,7 + As in the situation described in, YHWH is 8 Gen 9,8 9+ with Joseph and makes him prosper. 9 Gen 9, This is expressed by the fact that the entire 0 Gen 9, paragraph (except v ) is governed by 7 and Gen 9, =78(x) 0, which signifiy YHWH s presence. Gen 9, 0 0 Gen 9, S 9, x 7 Observation No less that 0 of the verses (87%) and 00 of the 7 words (8%) are governed by the divine name numbers. The presence of YHWH in the events described in the text is additionally attested and underlined by the string of 8 of the in total occurrences of the divine name in Part VII. YHWH s presence is additionally underscored by the assertion YHWH was with Joseph, which occurs x (vs,, and ), in contast with the occurrences of the woman s invitation lie with me (vs 7 and ), marked in the Hebrew text below. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

7 7 The Dialogues and Narrative in Section III, 9,- Joseph The woman Narrative Observation Contrary to what I found in Sections I and II, where most speeches are meticulously composed of the divine name numbers, the word count of the speeches and the narrative in Section III brings to light rather little of any significance: Joseph speaks words and the woman, of which she speaks to the men of the household (vs -). 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

8 8 Section IV 0,- Joseph Interprets the Dreams of the Butler and the Baker Vss Texts Words Letters Sum words P Contents and Structure Gen 0, Joseph meets Pharaoh s butler and baker in prison Gen 0, Gen 0, 9 7 Gen 0, + 8 Joseph is put in charge of the two prisoners, the Gen 0, butler and the baker: both of them have a strange Gen 0, 8+ 7 dream which troubles them. 7 Gen 0, Joseph sees that they are troubled and asks them 8 Gen 0,8 =8(x7) 0/0 to tell him their dreams. 9 Gen 0, The dream of the butler and Joseph s interpretation 0 Gen 0, Numerical value of : 8+++=9 Gen 0, 7=9= 9 The essential part of the dream: the butler presses Gen 0, 0 8 grapes, fills Pharaoh s cup and puts it in his hand, Gen 0, as well as Joseph s propitious interpretation and Gen 0, his request to make mention of him to Pharaoh, Gen 0, =(x7) 9 0/00 (vs -) are highlighted by 7+ (x7) words. Gen 0, 8 The dream of the baker and Joseph s interpretation 7 Gen 0,7 7 8 Gen 0, Gen 0,9 7 The untoward part of Joseph s interpretation is 0 Gen 0,0 8 8 highlighted: the baker will be hanged: 7 words. Gen 0, The dreams come true as interpreted by Joseph: Gen 0, the butler is restored and the baker is hanged. The Gen 0, 7= 7 /07 P butler forgets what Joseph asked him: words. 0,- (x) 9 (x) Observation 7 The whole text is governed by the number through its (x) words. Additionally, of the verses (%) and 79 of the words (7%) are highlighted by 7 and. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

9 9 The Dialogues and Narrative in Section IV, 0,- Joseph Butler/Baker Narrative + + Butler&Baker Butler 7 0 8=8 9 Baker Observation 8 The butler and the baker speak altogether 9 words: together (v 8) + by the butler and by the baker. Joseph speaks altogether 9 words. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

10 0 Section V,-,8 Joseph Rises from Slave to Governor Vss Texts Words Letters Sum words P Contents and Structure Gen, Pharaoh s two dreams: the butler remembers Joseph Gen, + 8 Gen, The entire paragraph is highlighted by 70 words. Gen, + Gen, + 8 Gen, Gen, Gen, Gen, Gen,0 + 0 Gen, The butler tells Pharaoh about the Hebrew slave Gen, + = 8 who interpret dreams: highlighted by words. Gen, =70(0x7) 8 70/70 Gen, The dreams interpreted: their consequences Gen, 7+ 0 Gen, + Except for two verses (8 and ) the entire paragraph 7 Gen,7 0=(x) Is highlighted by another words. 8 Gen,8 7 9 Gen, Gen,0 9+ Gen, + 7 Gen, 0=(x) 0 8 Gen, 9+ 9 Gen, + 08 V where Joseph tells Pharaoh that God has told Gen, + him what he is about to do is specifically highlighted Gen, + 7 by having (x) letters. 7 Gen, Gen, Gen, Gen, Gen, + 0 Gen, Gen, Gen, Gen, =70(0x7) 0 Gen, 7/0,9- has altogether (x) words. 7 Gen, Pharaoh praises Joseph and makes him his Governor 8 Gen, Because God is with Joseph, Pharaoh regards him as 9 Gen,9 + = 0 incomparable when it comes to wisdom: words. 0 Gen, Gen, The entire paragraph is highlighted by 0 (x) words. Gen, Gen, + 9 Gen, Pharaoh endows Joseph with excessive power: 7 words. Gen, =0(x) 7 0/0 Gen, Joseph (0 years old) makes a tour of inspection 7 Gen,7 + Joseph inspects the country and during the 7 years of 8 Gen,8 0= 7 plenty, he stores the food in the cities: 7 + words. 9 Gen, Gen, Two sons are born to Joseph by Asenath, the daughter of Gen, Potifera; he names them Manasseh and Efraim, which is in Gen, 0+ 0= 7 70 the same way highlighted by 7 + words. Gen, Gen, 7+ 7 Famine elsewhere, but sufficient bread in Egypt: 7words Gen, 0=0(x7) 7 7/ Vs 9- have altogether 0 (x7) words. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

11 Gen, Gen,7 77/7 8 Gen, The first visit of Joseph s brothers to Egypt 9 Gen, = 80 Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy corn: words. 0 Gen, Gen, 8 8 Gen, 8/8 Gen, 7+ 8 The brothers are confronted with Egypt s Governor Gen, V, where the brothers bow before Joseph, has 7 words. Gen, The passage, in which Joseph accuses the brothers of Gen, spying and their rejoinder in which they identify themselves 7 Gen, as brothers, is highlighted by 0 (x) words. 8 Gen, Gen, They also tell him that their youngest brother is with their 70 Gen, 8=0(x) 7 98 father in Canaan and that one brother has disappeared. 7 Gen, Gen, 9 7 Gen, Gen,7 98/ 7 Gen, Joseph is deeply moved, but plays a trick on them 7 Gen,9 = 0 He orders them to take corn to Canaan for the hungry:. 77 Gen, The whole passage dealing with the remorse of the 78 Gen, brothers over what they had done to Joseph, expressed by 79 Gen, 7=(x7) 0 Reuben, is highlighted by (x7) words, 80 Gen, Gen, 08 8 Gen, 8 0/8 8 Gen, The brothers return home and report to Jacob 8 Gen,7 8 8 Gen, This whole passage is highlighted by 0 (x) words: 8 Gen, the bewilderment about the discovery of the silver, as well 87 Gen, as the report of the brothers to their father about what 88 Gen, happened in Egypt and that the Governor required of them 89 Gen, to bring Benjamin to Egypt, in which case Simeon will be 90 Gen, restored and Jacob may move about the country freely. 9 Gen, 0=0(x) 7 0/ 9 Gen, Jacob refuses to let Benjamin go to Egypt 9 Gen, + 8 Despite Reuben s eloquent plea, Jacob does not want to run 9 Gen,7 0=(x) 7 8 the risk of losing Benjamin too: his answer is No : words. 9 Gen,8 8 0/7 This concluding paragraph is a perfect cliffhanger. 9,-, Observation 9 In terms of verses and words, 78 of the 9 verses (8%) and 09 of the 0 words (80%) are governed by the numbers 7 and. In the entire section the passages about crucial events and situations are additionally highlighted by 7 or words (or their multiples). 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

12 The Dialogues and Narrative in Section V,,-,8: first part,,-7, Pharaoh 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM 9 Joseph 9 Butler 7 Narrative 07

13 Observation 0 The word count of Chapter does not yield anything that is significant about the twelve speeches and the narrative: Pharaoh s 7 speeches have words; Joseph s speeches (including the interior monologues in vs and ) have 80 words, while the chief butler s speech has 7 words; the narrative sections contain 89 words. The speeches have altogether 00 words. The Dialogues and Narrative in Section V,,-,8: second part:,-8 Brothers 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM Jacob Joseph 7 Narrative

14 7 7 9 Reuben Reuben = Observation In Genesis the narrative parts, including the introductions, have words. Joseph speaks 8 words and Jacob (x); the brothers speak words. Joseph and his brothers speak altogether 8+=0 words. Moreover, in vs 0-, the brothers speak 7 words, and also in v ; in v 7 words are devoted to Reuben s speaking (+). In Genesis the dialogues have altogether 00 words; in Genesis they amount to 0, which means that in total 00+0=70 (7x) words are spoken in Section V. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

15 Section VI,-,7 Joseph s Brothers Visit Egypt Again Gen, P To can buy more corn, Benjamin must go too Gen, 7 0 Jacob sends his sons to buy more corn: 7 words. Gen, 7 Gen, 0 Gen, 0 Gen, Gen, The brothers first rejoinder: words. 8 Gen,8 9 7 Joseph s trick with the cup in the sack of one of them 9 Gen,9 + 9 and the consent given unknowingly by the brothers 0 Gen, that the thief should become Joseph s slave are Gen, + 97 all specifically highlighted by 0 (x7) words. Gen, Gen, 7+ 8 This dramatic episode is made up of letters. Gen, Gen, 7=0(x7) 7 7/7 Gen, 8 8 The brothers are taken to Joseph s house 7 Gen,7 9 8 Gen,8 7 9 Gen, The episode about the bewilderment of the brothers 0 Gen, and their plea to the steward that they are innocent Gen, 8+ 8= 7 0 is highlighted by 8 (x7) words (vs 9-). Gen, + 0 Gen, 9=8(x7) 8 Gen, + 9 The episode about the brothers entering the house Gen, = 7/0 and having their gifts ready is highlighted by words. Gen, 80 Joseph and his brothers at the banquit 7 Gen, Gen, The dramatic episode about Joseph recognizing 9 Gen, Benjamin, his emotions, and the final test the brothers 0 Gen,0 + have to endure, is highlighted by 8 (x7) words. Gen, 7+ 8 Gen, =8(x7) 87 9 Gen, + 70 The seating order at the table and the preferential Gen, = 8/8 treatment of Benjamin is highlighted by words. Gen, Joseph s trick with the silver goblet Gen, Gen, 8 8 Gen, Gen, 0 Gen, + 8 The entire episode about the steward sent by Joseph Gen, to accuse the brothers of the theft of his silver goblet, Gen, their fruitless rejoinder and the discovery of the Gen, goblet in Benjamin s sack, is made up of (x) Gen,0 + words so as to bring it into special focus of attention. Gen, 9+ Gen, Gen, Gen, Gen, Gen, Gen,7 9= (x) 7 78/ P Note that also represents the decimal value of,-, the name : =. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

16 Observation Section V is a distinct literary entity consisting of (x7) verses, through which it is rounded off and sealed. This is underlined by the fact that they divide into verses in - (,-) and 7 verses in (,-7). The end of the section is clearly marked by the Masoretic layout marker Petuchah, which indicates a crucial turning point in the storyline. See page above. In terms of verses and words, of the verses (9%) and 98 of the 78 words (8%) are governed by 7 and. Special care has been taken to make up groups of their multiples: 0, 8 (x), and words. Note the conspicuously similar use of 8 and words to highlight the dramatic episodes in and! The Dialogues and Narrative in Section VI,,-,7 Brothers and Judah Judah Brothers Judah Brothers 7 Brothers 7 Jacob 8 9 Joseph + Steward = 7 Narrative Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

17 7 Brothers , Brothers 7 Judah Jacob 7 = + + = 8 Joseph+ Steward + = Observation In,-,7 the narrative sections have 9 words; the brothers (plural): words. Judah: 9 words, Jacob: 7 words, and Joseph (and his steward): 8 words (+). This means that the words in the dialogues amount altogether to +7+8= (x7)! In the narrative sections three dramatic episodes are specifically highlighted by 7 words: the narrative section about the brothers being brought into the house of Joseph (,7-8), the passage in which is told that Joseph yearns for Benjamin and weeps in the inner room (,0-), and the passage dealing with the sending away of the brothers (,b-). 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

18 8 Section VII,8-,7 Jacob and his Household Emigrate to Egypt Vss Texts Words Letters Sum words S Contents and Structure Gen, Judah s masterly speech, criticizing the Governor Gen, Gen, Special attention is directed to Judah s objection to Joseph s Gen, 8+ 8= demand that Benjamin should come to Egypt and what that Gen, would mean for their old father: + words (vs 0-). Gen, + = Gen, Gen, Gen, 0=9(7x7) 77 9(7x7) Vs 8- are entirely governed by their 9 (7x7) words. 0 Gen,7 0 Gen,8 8 Gen,9 9 Gen,0 + Judah insists that Joseph s stipulation that Benjamin must Gen, come to Egypt would be fatal for their old father. Gen, + 9 Moreover, because Judah can never return to his father Gen, + 07 without Benjamin, he is prepared to remain in his place in 7 Gen, =8(x7) 8 Egypt as his lordship s slave: 8 (x7) words. 8 Gen, Joseph reveals his identity: reconciliation at last! 9 Gen, 9+ 0 Gen, 7+ 8 The greater part of this paragraph is (vs -0) is highlighted Gen, + 8 by (9x7) words, which corresponds exactly with the Gen, words spoken by Joseph see the Hebrew text below. Gen, + 7 The gist of Joseph s speech is that it is God who has made Gen,7 + him Pharaoh s righthand and Governor of Egypt, and that he Gen, invites his father to come to Egypt with all that he has and Gen, settle in Goshen, where care will be taken of him and his 7 Gen,0 =(9x7) 8 7 household by him personally as the ruler of all Egypt. 8 Gen, Gen, Gen, 9 Gen, 0 Gen, 0 9 Gen, 8 Gen,7 7 Pharaoh endorses Joseph s invitation to Jacob Gen,8 7 8 Pharaoh s pledge is highlighted by 7 words. Gen,9 9 7 Gen, Gen, 9 Gen, + Joseph s gifts to his brothers and the provisions he sends for 0 Gen, + 8 his father s journey to Egypt are specifically brought into the Gen, 9+ focus of attention: 8 (x7) words. Gen, Special emphasis is laid on the return of the brothers to Gen, 8+ 8= 9 87 Canaan and how Jacob reacts to the good news: words. Gen,7 =8(x7) Gen,8 9 Gen, + Jacob sets out for Egypt with all that he has 7 Gen, Gen, + Being highlighted by 8 (x7) words strong emphasis is laid 9 Gen, on God s encouraging words and the promises given to 0 Gen, Jacob in a vision by night, and on the fact that Jacob takes all Gen, =8(x7) 70 his descendants with him to Egypt. Gen,7 9 7 S,8-, Observation This section is made up of (x) verses. Together with Section V, with its (x7) verses, it occupies pride of place at the centre of Part VII. See page above. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

19 9 The Dialogues and Narrative in Section VII,,8-,7 Judah 8 Joseph Pharaoh God Narrative Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

20 0 Report Sons 9 Israel 9 Israel 7 (9x7) Observation The most striking feature is that Joseph speaks altogether (9x7). Jacob/Israel and all his sons, including Joseph, speak in total 7+=90 (x) words. When God reveals himself to Jacob and encourages him to go to Egypt, he speaks words. The symbolic significance of this is that God will be present in Jacob s life in Egypt as he has been in the life of Joseph. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

21 Section VIII,8-7 Jacob s Descendants Who Emigrated to Egypt Vss Texts Words Lett Sum w Contents and Structure Gen,8 + 8 These are the descendants of Jacob who came into Egypt: Gen,9 =7 9 7 Reuben : Enoch, Pulla, Hezron, Carmi Gen,0 0 7 Simeon : Jemuel 7, Jamin 8, Ohad 9, Jachin 0, Zohar, Saul Gen, 0 Levi : Gershon, Kohath, Merari Gen, Judah 7 : Er 8, Onan 9, Shelah 0, Perez, Zerah + Hezron, Hamul Gen, 7 Issachar : Tola, Pua 7, Iob 8, Shimron 9 7 Gen, 0 Zebulon 0 : Sered, Elon, Jahleel 8 Gen, 7 77 Together with his daughter Dinah descendants born by Leah to Jacob. 9 Gen, Gad : Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi 7, Areli 8 0 Gen,7 98 Asher 9 : Imnah 0, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, sister Serah +Heber, Malchiel Gen,8 9 These are the descendants born by Zilpah to Jacob. Gen,9 9 The sons born by Rachel to Jacob: Joseph and Benjamin. Gen,0 7 0 Joseph : Manasseh, Efraim Gen, 9 8 Benjamin : Bela, Becher, Ashbel 7 [and the sons of Bela were] - see BHS* Gera 8, Naaman 9, Ehi 0, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, Ard Gen, 0 8 These are the descendants born by Rachel to Jacob. Gen, 0 The son of Dan : Hushim 7 Gen, 7 7 Naphtali : Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, Shillem 7 8 Gen, 9 8 These are the 7 descendants born by Bilhah to Jacob. 8 = 7x 9 Gen, + 97 Vs -7 stand apart as a concluding enumeration of Jacob s descendants 0 Gen,7 =0 8 totalling 70 persons. Klaas Eikelenboom drew my attention to the striking fact 0, that is the decimal value of (0) + (8): The word occurs no less than x in the text: vs., 8,,, and. * Martin Noth has suggested to insert words,, and the sons of Bela were, in light of LXX and Chron 8,. However, in my view, this is completely superfluous, since it is evident that what follows are the names of Bela s seven sons. In v 7 Beriah s sons are indeed introduced by the words and the sons of Beriah, but for some reason (presumably logotechnical) the author/redactor did not deem it necessary to repeat the introductory phrase here. Observation The enumeration of Jacob s descendants (,8-) is made up of 8 (7x) words, by which it is strongly highlighted. Significantly enough, it has exactly the same number of words used for the Levitical Descent of Moses and Aaron (Exod,-8)! Compare page 9 in the analysis of Exodus,-,. What meets the eye immediately is that there are four specifically highlighted passages, each consisting of 7 words: vs 8-9, v, v, and v 0. The purpose of the highlighting is to bring Reuben, Judah, Daughter Dinah, and Joseph specifically into the limelight. Reuben is specifically focused on because he is the eldest son and potential successor to Jacob, but more particularly, because of the crucial role he played to save Joseph s life and to let Jacob emigrate to Egypt. Judah is brought into the limelight for the role he played in his turn to save Joseph s life and to enable Jacob/Israel to emigrate to Egypt. Moreover, he qualifies as the second logical successor to Jacob. Joseph is given special attention because of the pre-eminent position he attained in Egypt, his crucial role in the emigration of Jacob/Israel to Egypt and the measures taken by him to facilitate Israel s settlement. Therefore he qualifies as the third logical successor to Jacob. For a recent indepth study of the succession question, see Benedikt Hensel s dissertation cited in Observation above. Most strikingly, Levi receives no special attention, but this can be explained primarily in light of his disqualification (together with Simeon) in connection with the rape of Dinah and its bloody aftermath. Another reason for the fact that he is left out of special consideration in this context is that the author knew that he will get adequate attention in the book of Exodus as the ancestor of Moses and Aaron. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

22 Daughter Dinah is specifically highlighted by 7 words not only because she is the only daughter of Jacob mentioned here he had other daughters (see 7, and,7) but also due to her (passive!) role in the disqualification of Simeon and Levi as potential successors to Jacob. Compare Benedikt Hensel, p. 9. In the storyline, Section VIII functions as an intermezzo before the narrative about Israel s stay in Goshen. Section IX,8-7, The Israelites in Goshen: Joseph s Land Reforms Sections IX-XII,,8-0,, are a close-knit literary entity consisting of 9 (7x7) verses by which they are finalized and sealed. They deal specifically with the sojourn of the Israelites in Goshen. See page above. Vss Texts Words Letters Sum words P Contents and Structure Gen,8 + 8 God speaks to Jacob at Beer-sheba Gen, Joseph sets out to meet his father: 7 words. Gen,0 + 8 Gen, 0+ 7 The entire paragraph is highlighted by 70 words, Gen, which stresses the importance of the measures taken by Gen, Joseph to get his family settled in Goshen. 7 Gen, Gen 7, Especially emphasized is the fact that Joseph introduces 9 Gen 7, 8+ 8= five of his brothers to Pharaoh: words. 0 Gen 7, + 7 Gen 7, = /70 Gen 7, Pharaoh tells Joseph to settle Israel in Goshen Gen 7, This is a royal resolution! - highlighted by words. Gen 7, The entire paragraph is highlighted by (9x7) Gen 7, words, which stresses the personal contact between Gen 7, Pharaoh and Jacob (0 [x] years old!) and 7 Gen 7, the fact that Joseph gives his family a posssession 8 Gen 7, in Egypt as Pharaoh has commanded. 9 Gen 7, + 88 He provides them with food and gathers up money 0 Gen 7, + 0 in Egypt and Canaan to finance his land reforms. Gen 7, 0=(9x7) 7 /(9x7) Gen 7, + 77 He gives Egypt food in exchange for cattle Gen 7, 0+ Gen 7,7 =(x) 9 7 words are used to highlight this measure. Gen 7, Gen 7,9 0 8/0 7 Gen 7, Joseph s revolutionary land reforms 8 Gen 7, Once again words to highlight the buying of 9 Gen 7, =(x) 7 80 land for Pharaoh of which he is now the owner. 0 Gen 7, 7 97 Gen 7, 78 Gen 7, 9+ The last 7 verses are highlighted by 0 words. Gen 7, The Egyptians willingly become Pharaoh s slaves! Gen 7,7 + Joseph makes a statute concerning the land. Gen 7, Jacob lived 7 years in Egypt: 7 words! Gen 7, His death draws near and he urges Joseph to bury 7 Gen 7, him in Canaan, in the burying place of his fathers. 8 Gen 7, 0=0(x) 9 7/89 P Joseph promises and swears to do so. 8,8-7, Observation 7 The numerical features are self-explanatory. The significance of the fact that Jacob lived 7 years in Egypt (7,8) is to symbolize that he is accompanied by YHWH s presence in his last years. These 7 years are added to Jacob s age of 0 years when he meets Pharaoh (7,9) to achieve his lifespan of 7 years which is specifically mentioned here in 7,8. For the intriguing question of the lifespans of the Patriarchs, see Observation in my analysis of Part V,,-,9. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

23 The Dialogues and Narrative in Section IX,,8-7, Israel and his sons 9 Sons 7 0 Joseph Pharaoh and the Egyptians 0 / Narrative Egyptians Egyptians (x) 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

24 7+7= Egyptians 8 += =7 Observation 8 Numerically, there is nothing significant except that the narrative in vs 0- is made up of (x) words dealing with Joseph s statute concerning the land reforms and the prosperous sojourn of the Israelites in Goshen where they gain possessions and multiply exceedingly. This sets the stage for the Story of the Exodus against the backdrop of the Egyptians (ironically!) living in poverty and slavery, while the Israelites live in prosperity and freedom. Section X 8,- The Ailing Jacob Blesses Joseph s Sons Vss Texts Words Letters Sum words P Contents and Structure Gen 8, Joseph brings his sons to Isaac to be adopted Gen 8, + Vs are highlighted by 8 and letters. Gen 8, = 7 Vs - are highlighted by words. Gen 8, 70 0 Gen 8, Gen 8, Gen 8,7 77 / 8 Gen 8, Jacob blesses Joseph through his sons 9 Gen 8,9 0 Gen 8,0 9 Gen 8, + This episode about Israel expressing his joy to see Gen 8, 8+ 7 Joseph s sons and his deliberate gesture to cross Gen 8, his hands in order to bless the two boys, as well as Gen 8, the first part of the blessing (v ), is highlighted by Gen 8, 8=78(x) (x) words. Gen 8, 9 7 / 7 Gen 8, He upholds his decision and blesses them again 8 Gen 8, Gen 8, The entire paragraph is highlighted by its 0 (x) 0 Gen 8, words in order to express the divine approval of Gen 8, Israel s decision to put Efraim before Manasseh. Gen 8, -0(x) 9 0/0 P 8,- 0 0 Observation 9 In Section X, of the verses (9%) and 08 of the 0 words (9%) are highlighted by the number. Jacob s blessing of Joseph s two sons does not only show his preference for the Joseph tribes, but also anticipates the testamentary blessing for his own sons (Chapter 9). 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

25 The Dialogues and Narrative in Section X, 8,- Jacob and a Messenger () =7 + 9= 8 ()+77 8 Joseph and a Messenger () 7 0 ()+7 0 Narrative Observation 0 Jacob and the messenger speak altogether 8 (7x) words (+77), of which Jacob speaks 7 to Joseph (vs 8-) and (x) in connection with the blessing for Joseph (vs - and 9). Joseph and the messenger speak altogether 0 words, of which Joseph speaks 7. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

26 Section XI 9,- Jacob s Testamentary Blessing for his Sons Vss Texts Words Letters Sum words P/S Contents and Structure Gen 9, = Heading: words Gen 9, 8=7 Jacob summons his sons: 7 words. Gen 9, 0+ 7 Blessing for Reuben: words Gen 9, = / P Gen 9, + 0 Blessing for Simeon and Levi: words Gen 9, + + Their fury and ruthlessness are stressed: words. 7 Gen 9,7 = = 7/ S 8 Gen 9, Blessing for Judah: words 9 Gen 9, Judah s qualities as a leader is specifically 0 Gen 9,0 + = highlighted by words. Gen 9, + 9 Gen 9, + 7 /() P Gen 9, 0+ S Blessing for Zebulon: 0 words Gen 9, + 7 Blessing for Issachar: 0 words Gen 9, =8(x7) 7 /8 S Gen 9, + 7 Blessings for Dan: words 7 Gen 9, His negative qualities are highlighted: 7 words. 8 Gen 9,8 = =7 8 9 Gen 9,9 90 S Blessings for Gad: words 0 Gen 9, S Blessings for Asher: 7 words Gen 9, 0 S Blessings for Naphtali: words Gen 9, + Blessing for Joseph: words Gen 9, The survival of Joseph, who has been fiercely Gen 9, + + attacked, is specifically highlighted: words. Gen 9, + = 8 Note the,, and letters! Gen 9, = P 9,- 0 x Observation The passage about the blessings for the eleven brothers are clearly delimited by the layout markers. Most intriguingly, the blessing for Benjamin (v 7) is detached from that of his brothers by the strong layout marker P which should absolutely not be ignored. The delimitation is underscored by the fact that the passage (without Benjamin!) is composed of verses which makes it a distinct literary entity. Moreover, verse 7 is structurally and numerically part and parcel of the first paragraph (9,7-) of Section XI, which is another distinct unit with its 7 verses and 0 (x) words see below. As a matter of fact, the detachment of Benjamin is perfectly in line with his detached position in the Toledoth of Jacob! Observation The blessings for Judah, Zebulon, and Issachar (vs 8-) are made up of altogether 8 (x7) words, by which this passage is specifically highlighted in order to stress the prominent status of these three sons. The significant highlighting of other sections of the text is explained in the last column. For the logotechnical analysis of Genesis 9 in its context, see my article The Last Words of Jacob. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

27 7 Section XII 9,7-0, The Death of Jacob and Joseph Vss Texts Words Letters Sum words Contents and Structure Gen 9, Jacob orders his sons to bury him in Canaan Gen 9, All these are the tribes of Israel, that is to Gen 9,9 8+ say, including Benjamin as the th son! Gen 9, Jacob s last command to his sons, that he should Gen 9, 8+ 8 be buried in Canaan, in the cave of Machpelah, Gen 9, and his death are brought into the focus of 7 Gen 9, =0(x) 0 0/0 attention by 7 verses and 0 (x) words. 8 Gen 0, 9 Jacob s body is embalmed and duely buried 9 Gen 0, 0 Gen 0, 0 Gen 0, Gen 0, Joseph s request to Pharaoh for permission to Gen 0, 8 88 bury his father in Canaan as well as Pharaoh s Gen 0,7 9 0 consent and the fact that a very great number of Gen 0,8 9 7 people accompanied Joseph on his mission are Gen 0,9 0=8 7 all highlighted by 8 (x7) words. 7 Gen 0, Gen 0, Gen 0, Gen 0, 88 9 Gen 0, 7 /07 Gen 0, The brothers are reconciled and Joseph dies Gen 0, 9 9 Gen 0,7 8 Gen 0, Gen 0, Note the,, and letters! 7 Gen 0,0 9 8 Gen 0, /9 9 Gen 0, + 8 Epilogue: Joseph s last words and wishes 0 Gen 0, + Joseph lived 0 years and saw his grandchildren. Gen 0, + 87 He comforts his brothers and lets them swear that Gen 0, + 8 they will carry his bones to Canaan. Gen 0, =8(x7) 79/7 The Epilogue is made up of 7 (x7) words, 9,7-0, which is very appropriate, for 7 represents the 8 7,-0, 989 x numerical value of twdlwt: +++++=7.,-0, x 0 Observation Vs - have 8 (x7) words. For the compositional technique to begin and conclude a book with a number of words that are a multiple of 7 or (Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy), see page of the Introduction. However, there is more to it: the eleven Toledoths are concluded by 7 words functioning as an inclusion together with the 7 verses of the first Toledoth! The computer-assisted verse count in Genesis yields verses. In the Masoretic tradition, however, as noted at the end of Genesis, there are verses, which is 9x. The extra verse was achieved by splitting, (undoubtedly for good reasons!) by means of a Petuchah into a and b. Observation Significantly enough, the name YHWH appears only x in the Toledoth of Jacob, in 8,7.0 (x), in 9,... (8x), and in 9,8 (x). The last occurrence before 9,8 is to be found in,0, which is the rd (9x7) instance from the beginning. The absence of the name YHWH in the rest of the Joseph story (0-0, except for 9,8) can be explained as a conscious decision to curtail the use of the name in order to pave the way for the revelation of the name in the book of Exodus. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM

28 8 The Dialogues and Narrative in Section XII, 9,7-0, Jacob and Sons 9 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM 0 Sons Jacob 9 Sons 9 Joseph Pharaoh People Joseph Pharaoh People Joseph = 8(x7) 0 Narrative 8 9+ = =7

29 9 Observation The words in the introductions amount altogether to. The passage about Jacob s death and Joseph s reaction to it (9,-0,) is made up of (x) words. Jacob and his eleven sons speak in total 08 words (9+9) and Pharaoh and the people 0 words (+). Joseph speaks altogether 8 (x7) words, of which are spoken in connection with his nearing death (0,) and what he wants his brothers to do with his bones (0,b). Joseph speaks (9x7) words in Section IX, 7 in Section X, and 8 (x7) in Section XII. Most intriguing to see is that his name occurs x in Genesis, which is a multiple of (x), and at the same time the decimal value of : =. In the storyline, Joseph s lifespan of 0 years are divided into 7 years he lived in Canaan (7,), years he lived in Egypt before he entered the service of Pharaoh at the age of 0 years (,), and 80 years he spent in prosperity and a powerful position. For an explanation of his lifespan, see Observation 7 above. 0 Casper J. Labuschagne The Toledoth of Jacob labuschagne.cj@gmail.com rev 08/7/ 7:8 AM