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: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
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), arguing 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 Matthew's construction of a goat-for-Yahweh typology in his baptism scene (Matt 3:16–17) and a goat-for-Azazel typology in his temptation narrative (Matt 4:1–11). In Chapter Three, the author delves into the shaping of Luke's narrative regarding Jesus's visit to Nazareth (Luke 4:16–30) by Jubilee and Yom Kippur traditions. Chapter Four explores the influence of ancient elimination rituals and scapegoat traditions on the Gerasene exorcism pericope (Mark 5:1–20 parr.). Finally, in the concluding chapter, the author 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), arguing 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 Matthew's construction of a goat-for-Yahweh typology in his baptism scene (Matt 3:16–17) and a goat-for-Azazel typology in his temptation narrative (Matt 4:1–11). In Chapter Three, the author delves into the shaping of Luke's narrative regarding Jesus's visit to Nazareth (Luke 4:16–30) by Jubilee and Yom Kippur traditions.

Chapter Four explores the influence of ancient elimination rituals and scapegoat traditions on the Gerasene exorcism pericope (Mark 5:1–20 parr.). Finally, in the concluding chapter, the author 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: 272g
Dimension: 231 x 152 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978712447