DIVINE SILENCE: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF STRUCTURE IN GENESIS 12

Abstract

Genesis 12 is a crucial chapter in biblical theology, with most scholarly attention being given to the promises given at the start. Structurally, however, the chapter should be viewed as a unit, and its emphasis falls on v.10. This article aims to demonstrate that the text is best viewed as a series of five speech-response pairs, with the central 'pair' emphatically omitting any speech. The absence of speech in v.10 is an interpretive key, identifying the theme of testing as central to this episode, and placing the promises made to Abram in their proper context: the gifts and blessings of God are ultimately less important than being in properly ordered relationship with the Giver.