COMMITMENT IN THE HEBREW BIBLE
MOSES, ELIJAH AND JEREMIAH
Keywords:
Moses, Elijah, JeremiahAbstract
Religious commitment may be defined as "spiritual dedication on a. permanent basis to a way of life that demands above-average generosity and requires more than ordinary grace of God." I Although we do not expect to find such a term in ancient literature, there are indeed examples of the reality underlying the concept. From early times people set ideals for themselves and their followers by presenting models for imitation. Popular culture may extol an outlaw or noncomformist, but the mature community will treasure the person who sacrificed self-interest for service of others. The individual who grapples with a crisis and sets an example of strength in adversity will be celebrated in epic and ballad. Thus the biblical tradition celebrates Joel and Dehorah, Gideon and Samson. It also commemorates those who maintained a firm grip on the helm in fair weather as well as foul. Does the strength manifested in a moment of danger have its counterpart in virtue governing the decisions of daily life? Therein lies the test of profound commitment to spiritual ideals.
References
I. J. A. Hardon, "Commitment", Encyclopedic Dictionary of Religion (editor Paul K. Meagher et al.) (Washington: Corpus Publications, 1979), p. 843. 2.
Daniel J. Silver, Images of Moses. New York: Basic Books, 1982; Aaron B. Wildavsky, The Nursing Father: Moses as a Political Leader, (Birmingham: University of Alabama Press, 1984).
Brevard S. Childs, The Book of Exodus: A Critical. Theological Commentary, (Philadelphia: Westminster Press. 1974)
James Muilenburg, "The intercession of the covenant mediator (Exodus 33: I a, 12-17)", Words and Meanings : Essays Presented to David Winton Thomas. Edited by Peter R. Ackroyd and Barnabas Lindars. (Cambridge University Press, 1968) p. 159-181. 7.
Michael De Goedt, "Elijah: A Victorious, persecuted, discouraged prophet - - first ofa long line (I Kings 17-19)," SIDIC Review (Rome) 17(No.2, 1984)p. 13-18.
Eugene B. Horowitz, "The autonomous self and the commanding community," Theological Studies 45 (1984) p. 34-56.
