Egypt as a Monster in the Book of Ezekiel

by Safwat Marzouk

Book cover: Egypt as a Monster in the Book of Ezekiel

Extent: 289 pages

Publisher: Mohr Siebeck

Subjects: Ancient Near East, Biblical Studies

Series: Forschungen zum Alten Testament 2.Reihe

Series volume number: 76

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(June 2015)

ISBN: 9783161532450

6.06 x 9.06 inches

Price: $130.00

In stock

Appealing to Monster Theory and the ancient Near Eastern motif of “Chaoskampf,” Safwat Marzouk argues that the paradoxical character of the category of the monster is what prompts the portrayal of Egypt as a monster in the book of Ezekiel. While on the surface the monster seems to embody utter difference, underlying its otherness there is a disturbing sameness. Though the monster may be defeated and its body dismembered, it is never completely annihilated. Egypt is portrayed as a monster in the book of Ezekiel because Egypt represents the threat of religious assimilation. Although initially the monstrosity of Egypt is constructed because of the shared elements of identity between Egypt and Israel, the prophet flips this imagery of monster in order to embody Egypt as a monstrous Other. In a combat myth, YHWH defeats the monster and dismembers its body. Despite its near annihilation, Egypt, in Ezekiel’s rhetoric, is not entirely obliterated. Rather, it is kept at bay, hovering at the periphery, questioning Israel’s identity.

  • By (author) Safwat Marzouk