How Life in Exile Shaped Jewish Theology in Daniel, Esther, and the Ketuvim

The Ketuvim were written in the backdrop of life in exile. they appreciate the complexities of living a life dedicated to God in a pagan world. Many of these writings are not defined by theological Clarity but by theological complexity. As opposed to the clear objective didactics of the Mosaic law, the Ketuvim uses poetry, philosophical treatises, wisdom literature, and music to communicate timeless theological truths.
CONFLICTING IDEAS
Daniel
Esther
Intense theological statements about the nature of God and His nature.
Does not mention God.
Edited versions
Daniel and his friends are saved from a pagan leader by a miracle in the lion’s den.
Esther contains no direct miracles. Esther is saved by bravery and feminine charm.
Dainel refuses to follow pagan laws and adopts a uniquely kosher diet.
Esther likely has a sexual encounter with the Persian king but she likely had no choice.
Daniel prophesies the coming of the Messiah and the God of Abraham ruling the world.
Despite a military victory and personal promotion, life remains unchanged.
Daniel is repeatedly quoted in the New Testament and valued in antiquity.
Esther is never quoted in the New Testament, nor found among the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Esther teaches following God is not always easy
WISDOM IN PAGANISM
Comparing God’s Law to the World:
WISDOM LITERATURE
Two forms of wisdom literature:
Proverbs: these are usually short catchy phrases designed to inspire. They fundamentally believe if you make positive changes to your life, it will have a long-term positive effect. Examples include The Maxims of Ptahhotep, Instruction of Amenemope, or the Book of Proverbs.
Proverbs 23:10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
Amenemope 6: Remove not the landmark from the bounds of the field ... and violate not the widows boundary.
Proverbs 23:4: Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. 5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
Amenemope 7: Toil not after riches; If stolen goods are brought to thee, they remain not overnight with thee. They have made themselves wings like geese. And have flown into the heavens."
Proverbs 22:17 Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, 18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.
Amenemope 1: "Give thine ear, and hear what I say, And apply thine heart to apprehend; It is good for thee to place them in thine heart, let them rest in the casket of thy belly; That they may act as a peg upon thy tongue"
In-depth discourses: these are lengthy monologues or dialogues, where philosophers consider the deep questions of life, and usually conclude with a depressed worldview. Examples include The Book of Job or The Babylonian Theodicy.
NO EASY ANSWERS
Proverbs assume the universe is orderly and good choices lead to good outcomes.
Ecclesiastes assumes the universe is mysterious and any choices could lead to any outcome.
The author bemoans education, success, and prosperity
All things promoted to Proverbs
It looks to the vanity of pleasure, wisdom, building projects, all things associated with Solomon. 1:16-17
Job assumes the universe has a divine purpose but the choices are incomprehensible.
Job
The Book of Job is a poetic thesis addressing an apparent theodicy. It is very similar to The Babylonian Theodicy. The Babylonian Theodicy is a dialogue between two friends. One is disputing the doctrine of karma and retribution. The other is defending it. The conclusion is that the supporter of divine retribution is correct. Compare this with the responses in the book of Job:
Seven Responses of Job:
Wife:
Curse God
Bildad
God is pure. His retribution is just.
Eliphaz
The response is rational
Zophar
God is just and will restore everything.
Job
Job wishes to be vindicated before God.
Job calls for a mediator.
Elihu
You have worked hard to vindicate yourself, but you have not vindicated God
He condemns friends for condemning Job, but not giving him sufficient reason.
God
God is the Creator and Sustainer
Job is ignorant
God is mighty

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