The Emergence of Apocalypticism in Ancient Israel/Judaism and the Rethinking of the Definition of Apocalypse in Semeia 14 and Semeia 36: A Historiographic Analysis

Abstract

The emergence of apocalypticism continues to be a debate among scholars. The definition of apocalypse as a genre by Semeia 14 and Semeia 36 seems to continue to influence scholars in reconstructing the origin of apocalypticism. Using historiography as a method, the study sought to rethink the definition of apocalypse produced by Semeia 14 and Semeia 36 and primarily, to unveil at what point in ancient Israel apocalypticism/apocalyptic (worldview) emerged. Consequently, the study showed that Semeia 14 and Semeia 36 cannot be used to identify all apocalypses because “content”, “form”, and “function” will always be presented in light of the authors and (or) their audience’s circumstances—though the messages might remain the same over time. As such, the study showed that the central and constant feature of apocalypticism is: The promise, by YHWH, of an imminent deliverance of the people of God from their enemies—be it terrestrial or cosmic. It also showed that apocalypticism emerged gradually in Israel’s history, and for the first time in their history, it is represented in a comprehensive manner in the book of Daniel (mediated through dreams and visions) which was written in the late sixth century BCE.

Keywords

• apocalypse
• apocalypticism
• Semeia
• Prophetic literature