Bibliographic information:
Yap, Timothy. “The Danger of Mishandled Food: The Function, Purpose, and Theology of Food in Ezra-Nehemiah.” Restoration Quarterly 64, no. 3 (2022): 157-169.
Description:
Description
This article explores how the motif of “food” functions within Ezra-Nehemiah. First, the motif of “food” plays an important role in eliciting some of the issues within the gola community. Second, the same motif, is used by Ezra-Nehemiah not only to address the issues the people are facing, but also to lay out the book’s vision for the community. A vision where the laity and cultic leaders serve together, where the poor and rich all share in the same bounty, and where the community is assured of God’s help in restoring the community. Third, despite the short-lived moments of restoration in the book, Ezra-Nehemiah ends tragically as the people return to their sinful lifestyles. This is evidenced in how the people mishandled the Levite’s food rations and the trading of food supplies on Sabbaths.
Publisher:
Restoration Quarterly (website: https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/restorationquarterly/)