「地不至荒涼」—約瑟對饑荒解困之道所引發的神學反思(創四十七13∼26)/曹腓利

曹腓利 沙巴神學院中文部資深舊約講師及學生主任

撮要

本文列舉出舊約學者對約瑟作埃及宰相時期,他解決饑荒造成之貧困敘事 (創四十七13∼26)的解讀。學者以四個角度來理解此段有關約瑟的敘述,即 宗教、道德、民族、政治上的考量。但是,此敘事作為正典的一部分,也必然 在神學的連貫性上,有特定的關聯性,如與亞伯拉罕之約中土地、後裔、祝福 的關聯。從中確信,約瑟所採取的措施是為了帶來真正的祝福。

 

ABSTRACT

In this paper, the author presents the interpretive ideas advocated by the Old Testament scholars towards the story of Joseph in solving the poverty caused by famine during his time as the Prime Minister of Egypt (Ge 47:13-26). The scholars’ interpretations of this story are mainly confined to four perspectives, namely religious, ethical, national and political aspects. However, as part of the canonical texts, the intention of this story is not only limited to the social and historical inferences, instead it further extends to the theological concern. Thinking of the theological concern in Genesis, there is nothing more than the covenant of Abraham, exclusively expressed as Land, Offspring and Blessing. In considering the consistency of theological intention, this paper draws attention to how the story closely connects with the Covenant of Abraham. Through analyzing the theology of the story, we can therefore comprehend that Joseph’s approaches in solving the poverty are beyond the political and social concerns; they indeed are genuine spiritual blessings.

原載於《建道學刊》41期(2014年1月),頁 121-144。