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Rhetoric
Within Pattern Analysis, rhetoric is the persuasive portion of a literary unit based on its structure. Certain locations within each literary unit are potentially persuasive–they are presented below for the sake of analysis. Normally, many of the potential locations can be persuasive, but often not all. The student is encouraged to listen to what the Holy Spirit seems to be emphasizing.
An A-B-C-C'-B'-A' or A-B-C-X-C'-B'-A' type of structure. It is a repetition of similar themes in the reverse sequence. Other names for chiasms include chiasmus, concentric symmetry, introversion, inverted parallelism, reverse symmetry, and ring construction. The most common emphatic locations are found in the center point and the first/last elements.
In a chiasm, these are the two A elements: A-B-C-C'-B'-A'. Oftentimes an emphasis may be found in these locations.
Also known as conjugate pairs. It is any two elements that are paired with each other. In some cases, the pair may be emphatic even though they are not in a position of emphasis such as first/first or first/last. For example, in a chiastic A-B-C-X-C'-B'-A' structure, the two B elements might add considerable conviction to the reader or listener.
Also known as conjugate pairs. It is any two elements that are paired with each other. In some cases, the pair may be emphatic even though they are not in a position of emphasis such as first/first or first/last. For example, in a chiastic A-B-C-X-C'-B'-A' structure, the two B elements might add considerable conviction to the reader or listener.
An emphasis or turning point that is at the logical center of a structure. It is either an X in the middle of a chiasm, parallel symmetry, immediate repetition, or list is a center point, or if two elements appear at the center of a chiasm rather than an X, those two elements are the center point. For example, X is the center point of A-B-C-X-A'-B'-C', and C-C' is the center point of A-B-C-C'-B'-A'.
In a parallel symmetry, these are the two A elements, A-B-C-A'-B'-C'. Sometimes these are a place of emphasis.
An element was intentionally inserted from one of the two parts. For example, the C element in A-B-C-D-D'-B'-A'. does not have a corresponding C' element, which means C is an extra. This anomaly only applies to chiastic and parallel symmetry structures. The extra is a place of rhetorical importance, whereas the corresponding element is missing.
In a parallel symmetry, this is oftentimes a place of emphasis. For example, in an A-B-C-D-A'-B'-C'-D' structure, the two D elements are in the last/last position.
The expected elements have been re-arranged, e.g. A-B-C-X-B'-C'-A'. When a transposition appears, the location of one element is interchanged with another; an intentional relocation. Transpositions appear in imperfect chiasms and parallel symmetries. The emphasis appears either in the element that is transposed or in the one which has been dislocated. That is, in an A-B-C-X-B'-C'-A' structure, either the B' or C' elements would be emphatic.
A strongly worded directive or command that conveys the importance of doing something. In English, Hebrew and Greek, the imperative is a verb. In Greek, the spelling of the word indicates it is imperative. In English, imperatives are usually the first word in a sentence or phrase. For example, the phrase in Deuteronomy 30:19C which states, "Choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants," is an imperative. Context is important in determining if an imperative statement is emphatic.
A strongly worded directive or command that conveys the importance of doing something. In English, Hebrew and Greek, the imperative is a verb. In Greek, the spelling of the word indicates it is imperative. In English, imperatives are usually the first word in a sentence or phrase. For example, the phrase in Deuteronomy 30:19C which states, "Choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants," is an imperative. Context is important in determining if an imperative statement is emphatic.
An opening or closing summarization that appears within a substructure. The schematic representation is the lowercase letters sum. This summarization may appear at the end of a substructure, a-b-x-a'-b'-sum, or at the beginning, sum-a-b-c-d. All the substructure summaries are emphatic.
The themes of two corresponding elements are somewhat different from one another in content. It is an unexpected change in the pattern. Normally just one of the pair is emphatic. In A-B-C-D-A'-B'-Y' D', the emphasis would be found in either C or more likely Y'.
A summarization that concludes a basic structure which is designated with the letters SUM. For example, A-B-C-A'-B'-C'-SUM. A closing summary is also known as a concluding epitome, final unit, and an epilogue. It serves two functions: to summarize and to motivate. It is always emphatic and should be easily detected.
A frame is the repetition of a theme near the beginning and end of a structure or substructure. The surrounding layer of a frame encapsulates an inner portion. Scholars often mention a similar concept called an inclusio or inclusion where the repetition may be confined to a literary unit or it may span multiple literary units. Both portions of the frame are required. The two frame elements often do not have the same words—instead, they have the same general theme and sometimes they are antithetical. Other related names for frames are bookends, brackets, and envelopes. Oftentimes the frame contains an emphatic statement.
In a parallel symmetry, these are the two A elements, A-B-C-A'-B'-C'. Sometimes these are a place of emphasis.
In a parallel symmetry, this is oftentimes a place of emphasis. For example, in an A-B-C-D-A'-B'-C'-D' structure, the two D elements are in the last/last position.
An opening or closing summarization that appears within a substructure. The schematic representation is the lowercase letters sum. This summarization may appear at the end of a substructure, a-b-x-a'-b'-sum, or at the beginning, sum-a-b-c-d. All the substructure summaries are emphatic.
This CHIASM includes an extensive documentation of the correspondence initially sent by Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai, and then the reply by king Darius. The substructure in verses 5:7 to 6:11 might have a better name, IRREGULAR STRUCTURE.
1) The prophecy by Haggai and Zechariah, referenced in the FIRST/LAST elements, verses 5:1,2 and 6:14, is very important for it caused the rebuilding to resume. Those prophecies are to be found in their respective books.
2) The two C CORRESPONDING ELEMENTS in verses 5:4-6 and 6:12 are a generalization of the inquiry and the response. The response is an AMPLIFICATION because it included an enforcement by God Himself. Therefore, certainly a great fear of God must have come over them. The VARIATION in verse 6:12 states that they carried out the decree with all diligence.
3) The X CENTER POINT, possibly a parallel symmetry substructure in verses 5:7-6:11, is quite irregular but all the parts are there. The FIRST/FIRST elements state that Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai must stop visiting the temple site. The EXTRA c element, verses 5:11,12, are the elder′s statement of the greatness of God as well as a confession of Judah′s vast failures which caused God′s wrath. The forcefulness of Darius′s decree is seen in the SUBSTRUCTURE SUMMARY, for great harm will come to those who ignore it.
4) The TRANSPOSITION of three elements, verses 6:1, 6:3,4, and 6:5, points to the irregularity of the parallel symmetry substructure. I suggest it is better to describe this irregularity as applause! God′s joyous celebration!! The work continues. King Darius added the financial support to these Jews in response to their order to stop work.
5) In the CLOSING SUMMARY, the two celebrations in the two FRAME elements, verses 6:16,17 and 22, are remembrances of great joy. Then the SUBSTRUCTURE SUMMARY records God′s complete favor with the letter from Darius and the fear his letter instilled on the king of Assyria. Show More Rhetoric Show Less Rhetoric
CHIASM:
... the Jews were authorized to continue rebuilding the temple ...
a change of time
BEGINNING MARKER: Then work on the house of God in Jerusalem ceased, and it was stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. (v4:24)
Haggai and Zechariah prophesied that the temple will be rebuilt
A
When the prophets, Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them, then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to rebuild the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them supporting them. (v5:1,2)
Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai challenged the rebuilding project
B
At that time Tattenai, the governor of the province beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues came to them and spoke to them thus, “Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?” (v5:3)
they sent a inquiry to King Darius although work on the temple did not stop
C
Then we told them accordingly what the names of the men were who were reconstructing this building. But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until a report could come to Darius, and then a written reply be returned concerning it. This is the copy of the letter which Tattenai, the governor of the province beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai and his colleagues the officials, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king. (v5:4-6)
X
PARALLEL SYMMETRY SUBSTRUCTURE: ... correspondence between the governor and King Darius ... Show Hide
a change of scene
sub-unit marker: They sent a report to him in which it was written thus: “To Darius the king, all peace. (v5:7)
we have seen the rebuilding of the temple
a
“Let it be known to the king that we have gone to the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built with huge stones, and beams are being laid in the walls; and this work is going on with great care and is succeeding in their hands. (v5:8)
questioned the elders about their authority
b
“Then we asked those elders and said to them thus, ′Who issued you a decree to rebuild this temple and to finish this structure?′ We also asked them their names so as to inform you, and that we might write down the names of the men who were at their head. (v5:9,10)
EXTRA: we are from Judah but were exiled to Babylon
c
“Thus they answered us, saying, ′We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. But because our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon. (v5:11,12)
King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild
d
′However, in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this house of God. (v5:13)
Cyrus returned to us the gold and silver utensils
e
Also the gold and silver utensils of the house of God which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, and brought them to the temple of Babylon, these King Cyrus took from the temple of Babylon and they were given to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had appointed governor. He said to him, “Take these utensils, go and deposit them in the temple in Jerusalem and let the house of God be rebuilt in its place.” (v5:14,15)
the rebuilding has started but it is not complete
f
′Then that Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of the house of God in Jerusalem; and from then until now it has been under construction and it is not yet completed.′ (v5:16)
please perform a search to see if this is correct
g
“Now if it pleases the king, let a search be conducted in the king′s treasure house, which is there in Babylon, if it be that a decree was issued by King Cyrus to rebuild this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send to us his decision concerning this matter.” (v5:17)
TRANSPOSITION: a search was conducted
g′
Then King Darius issued a decree, and search was made in the archives, where the treasures were stored in Babylon. (v6:1)
a change of location
sub-unit marker: In Ecbatana in the fortress, which is in the province of Media, a scroll was found and there was written in it as follows: “Memorandum-- (v6:2)
the decree to rebuild with details of the size and the means of payment
d′
“In the first year of King Cyrus, Cyrus the king issued a decree: ′Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the temple, the place where sacrifices are offered, be rebuilt and let its foundations be retained, its height being 60 cubits and its width 60 cubits; with three layers of huge stones and one layer of timbers. And let the cost be paid from the royal treasury. (v6:3,4)
the decree to return the gold and silver utensils
e′
′Also let the gold and silver utensils of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be returned and brought to their places in the temple in Jerusalem; and you shall put them in the house of God.′ (v6:5)
IMPERATIVE: Tattenai and colleagues must stop visiting the temple
a′
“Now therefore, Tattenai, governor of the province beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai and your colleagues, the officials of the provinces beyond the River, keep away from there. (v6:6)
IMPERATIVE: the governor and elders have authority to rebuild
b′
“Leave this work on the house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. (v6:7)
no text
c′
the rebuilding shall continue; Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai must pay for it
f′
“Moreover, I issue a decree concerning what you are to do for these elders of Judah in the rebuilding of this house of God: the full cost is to be paid to these people from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces beyond the River, and that without delay. Whatever is needed, both young bulls, rams, and lambs for a burnt offering to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and anointing oil, as the priests in Jerusalem request, it is to be given to them daily without fail, that they may offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons. (v6:8-10)
SUBSTRUCTURE SUMMARY: the penalty for violating the decree
sum
“And I issued a decree that any man who violates this edict, a timber shall be drawn from his house and he shall be impaled on it and his house shall be made a refuse heap on account of this. (v6:11)
VARIATION: King Darius issued a very strong reply, to be enforced by God Himself
C′
“May the God who has caused His name to dwell there overthrow any king or people who attempts to change it, so as to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued this decree, let it be carried out with all diligence!” (v6:12)
Tattenai and Shethar-bozenai submitted to the rebuilding
B′
Then Tattenai, the governor of the province beyond the River, Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues carried out the decree with all diligence, just as King Darius had sent. (v6:13)
because of the prophesy, the temple was rebuilt
A′
And the elders of the Jews were successful in building through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. (v6:14)
a change of time
sub-unit marker: This temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar; it was the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. (v6:15)
dedication celebration
frame
And the sons of Israel, the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. They offered for the dedication of this temple of God 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel 12 male goats, corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel. (v6:16,17)
priests were appointed for the temple
a
Then they appointed the priests to their divisions and the Levites in their orders for the service of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses. (v6:18)
exiles observed Passover
b
The exiles observed the Passover on the fourteenth of the first month. (v6:19)
priests were pure
a′
For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure. Then they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, both for their brothers the priests and for themselves. (v6:20)
exiles and remnant observed Passover
b′
The sons of Israel who returned from exile and all those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations of the land to join them, to seek the Lord God of Israel, ate the Passover. (v6:21)
celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread
frame
And they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had caused them to rejoice, (v6:22A)
SUBSTRUCTURE SUMMARY: God′s great favor in changing the king of Assyria
sum
and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to encourage them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. (v6:22B)