Body, space and narrative in 2Macc 1:1-10a

Abstract

This article examined the commentaries on 2 Maccabees over the past forty years, focusing on 2Macc 1:1-10a. The following transpired. Commentaries had a difference of opinion on how the narrative should be interpreted. Further, differences were found in the interpretation of certain concepts for instance "heart" (1:3-4). Lastly commentators had a difference of opinion on how Jerusalem as "god space" should be interpreted. A new approach for addressing all these problems was suggested. Firstly, reading the narrative dialectically as propagated by the French philosopher Michael Foucault. Then, Cognitive Linguistics was used to clarify concepts like "heart" and Jerusalem as "god space". All of this ultimately led to the creation of a new narrative.