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Title: Only the One Who Works Enters into Rest
Subtitle: The Homiletic Logic of Heb 3,7-4,11
Author(s): BASTA, Pasquale
Journal: Biblica
Volume: 99    Issue: 4   Date: 2018   
Pages: 567-591
DOI: 10.2143/BIB.99.4.3285664

Abstract :
Heb 3,7-4,11 is a distinct unit on whose thematic nucleus there is no agreement. Scholarly opinion is divided about whether the central theme concerns the promise of rest or other aspects of the Exodus events. To resolve the controversy, it is necessary to recognize that this textual unit is a haggadic homily, a form of midrash constructed with formal traits so precise as to provide a clear interpretation of the passage. We particularly note the presence of an injan (theme of the sermon) that is repeated continuously and thus indicates the dominant logic of the composition: to enter or not enter into rest. The presence of a gezerah shawah also points to the same conclusion on the basis of analogical reasoning: only those who work deserve to enter into rest.

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