The LORD Brings Death and Makes Alive: The Origin of the Motif and its Relevance for the Theology of the Old Testament
2014
Abstract
The motif, found in 1Sam 2:6 and Deut 32:39 in a concise form, identifies the author also in a number of Old Testament narratives. The thought-structure, attested already in several Mesopotamian writings, proclaims two features of divine character - his omnipotence (inclusive his ability to cause harm) and kindness.
The two are enacted upon human beings in subsequent stages. Hence, life prevails in the end.
In this the author sees one of the threads of the Old Testament faith that gives the whole a very positive - even resurrection prone - look.