Jeremiah 33:15-16 as a reinterpretation of Jeremiah 23:5-6

Abstract

There are striking similarities between Jeremiah 23:5-6 and Jeremiah 33:15-16. A comparison, however, also shows interesting differences and 33:14-26, furthermore is lacking in the Septuagint tradition. Jeremiah 33:15-16 seems to be a reinterpretation of 23:5-6. This is done by generalising the content, widening the perspective and shifting the emphasis, for instance, from the king to the city, and adding a legitimate heir of David and a legitimate priest. As fa r as social context is concerned, Jeremiah 33:15-16 should perhaps be linked to the conflict between the disen franchised Levites and the Zadokites who displaced them. The reinterpretation process is an attempt both to explain the non-fulfilment of 23:5-6 and to resolve the dissonance it creates.