Playing with Leviathan : : interpretation and reception of monsters from the biblical world / / edited by Koert van Bekkum [and three others].

• Superior document: Themes in biblical narrative: Jewish and Christian traditions, volume 21
• TeilnehmendeR: Bekkum, K. van,
• Place / Publishing House: Leiden ;, Boston : : Brill,, [2017]; ©2017
• Year of Publication: 2017
• Language: English
• Series: Themes in biblical narrative ; v. 21.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (343 pages) :; illustrations.

Since ancient times Leviathan and other monsters from the biblical world symbolize the life-threatening powers in nature and history. They represent the dark aspects of human nature and political entities and reveal the supernatural dimensions of evil. Ancient texts and pictures regarding these monsters reflect an environment of polytheism and religious pluralism. Remarkably, however, the biblical writings and post-biblical traditions use these venerated symbols in portraying God as being sovereign over the entire universe, a theme that is also prominent in the reception of these texts in subsequent contexts. This volume explores this tension and elucidates the theological and cultural meaning of ‘Leviathan’ by studying its ancient Near Eastern background and its attestation in biblical texts, early and rabbinic Judaism, Christian theology, Early Modern art, and film.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Material -- The Leviathan in the Ancient Near East / Marjo Korpel and Johannes de Moor -- God and the Dragons in the Book of Isaiah / Jaap Dekker -- As a Fish on Dry Land. Some Remarks on Tannîn in Ezekiel / Ben van Werven -- “Is Your Rage Against the Rivers, Your Wrath Against the Sea?”. Storm-God Imagery in Habakkuk 3 / Koert van Bekkum -- The Monster as a Toy. Leviathan in Psalm 104:26 / Gert Kwakkel -- “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find The(ir Wisdo)m”. Behemoth and Leviathan in the Book of Job / Nicholas Ansell -- Leviathan on the Menu of the Messianic Meal. The Use of Various Images of Leviathan in Early Jewish Tradition / Michael Mulder -- Romans 16:17–20a: Imminent Danger and Victory / Theo van Spanje -- The Air Combat between Michael and the Dragon. Revelation 12:7–12 in Relation to Similar Texts from the New Testament / Rob van Houwelingen -- Leviathan and the Monsters in Revelation / Henk van de Kamp -- God and the Suffering of Animals / Gijsbert van den Brink -- “God Deals More Roughly with His Creature than We Would Like”. Leviathan in the Work of Arnold A. van Ruler / Dirk van Keulen -- Modern Political Society as Leviathan. Interpretation and Application of Thomas Hobbes’ Use of a Biblical Symbol / Ad de Bruijne -- The Dragon / Snake in Myth, Religion and Mission. Fear of Death Defeated by the Message of Life / Kees Haak -- A Glimpse of the Beast. Leviathan in Late Medieval and Early Modern Art / Anique de Kruijf -- Incarnations of Death: Leviathan in the Movies / Reinier Sonneveld -- Index of Ancient Sources -- Index of Geographical and Personal Names -- Index of Subjects -- Index of Modern Authors.