Verse 12

In clause 12a, the noun

ךְ ֶׁר ֶׁד

is used in the metaphorical sense of referring to the life or existence of a human being. It can also refer to conducting one’s life in the religious sense of the word when it used is such a context (Sauer 1971a:458). In the context of 23:12, it is used to indicate the negative outcome of the functionaries’ lives because of the

ה ָׁע ָׁר

they have done. A negative quality or state (Qal imperfectum of

היה

) of life is foreseen for these people mentioned. Their anticipated ways of living are described by making a comparison (

ְכ

) with the noun

תוֹקּ ַל ְק ַל ֲח

(literal meaning: slipperiness). This noun derives from the root

קלח

with the basic meaning of “to be smooth.” From this root, the noun developed with the meaning “slipperiness.” What is important for its use in 23:12 is the combination with the noun

ךְ ֶׁר ֶׁד

(cf. also Ps 35:6). In terms of this word combination, it should be understood figuratively with the meaning of “slipperiness” (Schunck 1980:445). This implies that the expression “their path is like slipperiness” should not be taken literally, but perhaps as an idiomatic expression with the equivalent meaning in English of “a slippery slope.” The word pair of a “slippery way” calls the vivid image of a slippery pathway to mind. This expression implies a dangerous pathway (slippery) to follow that leads to trouble or even catastrophe.

The negative course implied in 12a is elaborated on in verse 12. The noun

ה ָׁל ֵׁפ ֲא

is used to further emphasise the sense of calamity. In Exodus 10:22, the noun refers to deep darkness, but in Deuteronomy 28:29, it forms part of the curse texts describing the person’s situation (

ךְ ֶׁר ֶׁד

) like a blind person groping in darkness. The person is lost and has no sense of direction. In Proverbs 4:19, the way (

ךְ ֶׁר ֶׁד

) of the wicked is again described as a situation of deep darkness, stumbling over things in the dark. The hopelessness and despair of people is also depicted in Isaiah 8:22; 58:22 and 59:9. In the apocalyptic texts of Joel 2:2 and Zephaniah 1:5, the noun is use in the context of the Day of Yahweh, which will be a day of catastrophe. It can be concluded that although there is no direct

96

correspondence or dependence between these texts and Jeremiah 23:12, in all of them the contexts are extremely negative and depict calamity, despair, gloom and threat. The Niphal form of the verb

חחד

(12b) here should be understood in similar fashion as the middle voice in Greek as reflective (cf. Gesenius, et. al. 1910:§ 51.2a:137), meaning that the subject itself is involved in the action. As a result the meaning of the verb is “they shall stumble.” There is no indication of any external party causing them to fall, they themselves are the reason for their stumbling. It is stated that the “way” of these functionaries will be a slippery slope, in the darkness they shall stumble and fall. They are on a catastrophic pathway because of their wickedness.

In clause 12c, the verb

לפנ

is used followed by the preposition

ְב

with a 3rd person singular suffix referring to

ה ָׁל ֵׁפ ֲא

in clause 12a. There are 367 uses of the verb

לפנ

in the Qal. Seebass (1998:489-497) has divided them into two broad categories of neutral/positive meanings and negative meanings. It is clear from the context in verse 12 that the verb

לפנ

belongs to the negative category mentioned and further expands on the idea that the transgressors will fall into the darkness (

ה ָׁל ֵׁפ ֲא

) as discussed above. What all of this entails is that the existence (

ךְ ֶׁר ֶׁד

) of the transgressors will result in destruction and perhaps even death (cf. Fischer 1980:587). The slippery slope into darkness belongs to the field of meanings expressing danger and devastation.

The noun

ה ָׁע ָׁר

, often used in Jeremiah, has the meaning of “disaster” in clause 12d. Yahweh will bring disaster over them (see the discussion above). What is of interest in this clause is the expression “year of their punishment” –

ם ִ֛ ָׁת ָׁד ֻק ְפ

תֵ֥ ַנ ְש.

This exact construct formation appears in Jeremiah 11:23 and 48:44. The similarity in wording between Jeremiah 11:23 and 23:12 is striking. In chapter 11, a time is announced when Yahweh will bring punishment in the form of war and famine on the inhabitants of Anathoth who questions the legitimacy of Jeremiah’s prophetic calling. The punishment will lead to their death. In Jeremiah 23:12, the

97

nature of the punishment is not announced in such detail as in 11:23, however it is clear that it implies punishment in the form of disaster (Unheil). In Jeremiah 48:44, the expression “year of punishment” implies war, destruction and captivity of the people of Moab. It is interesting to note that in several instances in Jeremiah, the expression “time of their punishment” is used (cf. 8:12; 10:15; 46:21; 50:27 and 51:18). In all of these instances, the “time of visit” implies a form of punishment, usually by means of war. Jeremiah 8:12 is of particular interest, since it also concerns, amongst others, the prophets and priests who act deceitfully (8:10-

ר ֶׁק ֶׁש

). In 8:12 the Qal of the verb

לפנ

is used as well as the reference to “a time of punishment” (

ם ִ֛ ָׁת ָׁד ֻק ְפת ַּ֧ ֵׁע ְב

), similar to 23:12 who speaks of the “year of punishment.” What is of further interest is that, according to 8:13, “there are no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree; even the leaves are withered” (NRSV). The consequence of Yahweh’s punishment is that the land will not give its produce. It reminds of the consequence of drought in 23:10 because of Yahweh’s dissatisfaction with the infidelity of the perpetrators (prophets).

The context in Jeremiah 23:12 does not allow for a clear meaning of the disaster that will overcome the transgressors when Yahweh punishes them in the “year of visitation/punishment,” but in the light of the other uses in Jeremiah, it might imply severe punishment by means of war, famine, capturing and even death. The meaning of this expression belongs to the field of negative declarations associated with a time or period of judgement and punishment of which Yahweh is the executor.

In document Failed Leaders. The Nature and Content of Prophetic Rivalry in Jeremiah 23:9-22 (Page 110-112)