On the margins of redemptive history: The antiquarian nations in Deuteronomy 2. A theological assessment

Samenvatting

This article investigates the marginalization of the nations listed in Deuteronomy
2’s canonically narrated Old Testament redemptive history in four parts. Section one
provides a theology of history that sets for the theological framework for the investigation. The rhetorical analysis of Deuteronomy 2 in section two seeks to uncover the
purpose of the parenthetical notes on these nations. Section three provides a historical
evaluation and theological assessment of our knowledge about these nations. The last
section briefly examines the nations’ dissolution during the reign of David, and to their
destination in the netherworld as spirits of the dead and as perceived by the prophets.