Abraham's reinterpretation and life's meaning

Abstract

This article contributes to the theme of life�s fullness by emphasising the struggle for meaning during the Persian era as reflected in Genesis 15 and 17. The community�s �strategy� was to reflect on their identity in order to find their place in the Persian-ruled society and experience something of life�s meaning. Different answers were given and each must be understood separately. In order to survive, one group opted for a broader view of the community and God (Genesis 17), while others were of the opinion that a narrower view had to be followed (Genesis 15). The arguments of both groups are discussed in this article.