Goat for Yahweh, Goat for Azazel: The Impact of Yom Kippur on the Gospels

The book explores the influence of the Day of Atonement on the Gospels, arguing that the evangelist portrays the expulsion of the unrighteous as a purgative event resembling the yearly expulsion of iniquity from the temple by means of the scapegoat.

Format: Hardback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

This comprehensive book delves into the profound influence of the Day of Atonement on the Gospels. In the opening chapter, Hans M. Moscicke examines the impact of Yom Kippur traditions on Matthew's Final Judgment episode (Matt 25:31–46). He argues that the evangelist portrays the expulsion of the unrighteous as a purgative event reminiscent of the yearly expulsion of iniquity from the temple through the scapegoat. Moving on, Chapter Two explores the construction of a goat-for-Yahweh typology in Matthew's baptism scene (Matt 3:16–17) and a goat-for-Azazel typology in his temptation narrative (Matt 4:1–11). In Chapter Three, Moscicke argues that Luke's narrative regarding Jesus's visit to Nazareth (Luke 4:16–30) has been shaped by Jubilee and Yom Kippur traditions. Chapter Four delves into the influence of ancient elimination rituals and scapegoat traditions on the Gerasene exorcism pericope (Mark 5:1–20 parr.). Finally, in the concluding chapter, Moscicke investigates the influence of the Day of Atonement on John's resurrection narrative (John 20:11–23), particularly his allusion to the cherubim and atonement slate in John 20:20.

This comprehensive book delves into the profound influence of the Day of Atonement on the Gospels.

In the opening chapter, Hans M. Moscicke examines the impact of Yom Kippur traditions on Matthew's Final Judgment episode (Matt 25:31–46). He argues that the evangelist portrays the expulsion of the unrighteous as a purgative event reminiscent of the yearly expulsion of iniquity from the temple through the scapegoat.

Moving on, Chapter Two explores the construction of a goat-for-Yahweh typology in Matthew's baptism scene (Matt 3:16–17) and a goat-for-Azazel typology in his temptation narrative (Matt 4:1–11). In Chapter Three, Moscicke argues that Luke's narrative regarding Jesus's visit to Nazareth (Luke 4:16–30) has been shaped by Jubilee and Yom Kippur traditions.

Chapter Four delves into the influence of ancient elimination rituals and scapegoat traditions on the Gerasene exorcism pericope (Mark 5:1–20 parr.). Finally, in the concluding chapter, Moscicke investigates the influence of the Day of Atonement on John's resurrection narrative (John 20:11–23), particularly his allusion to the cherubim and atonement slate in John 20:20.

Weight: 416g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978712423