Discovering Humor in the Bible by Macy Howard R.;

Author:Macy, Howard R.; [Macy, Howard R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781498292603
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Published: 2016-08-30T07:00:00+00:00

Humor in the Apocrypha

The books of the Apocrypha were written in the few centuries before the coming of Jesus. They grew out of the Jewish community of faith and they continue and develop themes that Jews had long cherished. Just as we should expect, the Apocryphal writings also include humor. Enjoy the several examples that follow.

Tobit. Do the right thing

The Book of Tobit is a story that promotes right living and adhering to basic Jewish values. The author scrambles historical detail, perhaps to let readers know that this is a historical novel. Humorous bits track through the story, including Tobit being blinded by sparrows pooping in his eyes (2:9–10), his son Tobias driving out a demon with a smelly incense odor (8:1–3), and Tobias’ new father-in-law digging a grave for him on his wedding night (8:9–17). Frederick Buechner’s charming novel, On the Road with the Archangel, is based on this story.

Judith. Head in a handbag

By using the city name Bethulia, which we know only through this story, and by mixing other historical details, the author marks this as a historical novel. The storyline and details are all grand. The opening chapters build up the mighty general Holofernes, full of victory, hubris, and bravado. Chapter 8 introduces Judith, who was astonishingly beautiful and equally smart, the Israelite woman who delivered her city from Holofernes’ siege warfare. Judith’s victory song says that she “paralyzed him with her beauty” (16:6), though he had other plans and she wasn’t satisfied to leave him lying dead drunk in his tent. The details and dialogues of the stories are fun to read. In the end they reinforce themes of faithfulness, both by God and by Israel.

Letter of Jeremiah. Rusting, rotting gods

This is an extended collection of sharply satirical warnings (and reassurances) about the uselessness and powerlessness of idols. It’s put-down humor on the loose.

Susanna. Courtroom drama

Daniel rescues lovely Susanna from the schemes of two lecherous and powerful old men. Humorous currents run through the several scenes of the story.

Bel and the Dragon 1–22. “God” with an appetite

In a high-stakes challenge about what the king’s “god” eats, trickery overcomes trickery. Bel (or “Marduk”) is the chief god of Babylon.

Bel and the Dragon 23–27. Exploding dragons

Daniel’s recipe to expose false gods. You may have to experiment with proportions.

Bel and the Dragon 28–32. Eating between the lions

Another story of Daniel thrown to the hungry lions. It features abrupt reversals and Habakkuk’s quick round-trip hair travel.

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