ABSTRACT
It might be felt that an Alttestamentler with a penchant for mythical and linguistic origins, most of which relate to the further end of the second millennium B.C.E. would seek but infelicitously to honour one concerned with the latter end of the corresponding millennium C.E. Menschlichkeit, however, demands a tribute of gratitude and esteem for a very dear tutor, guide, philosopher, friend and colleague of some three decades’ standing, a scholar whose creative skill and vision have opened an entire new area of opportunity for men of Hebrew letters. I presume, therefore, to invoke an ancient topos which, however, has had its echoes down the centuries, is accepted in its original Hebrew dress in modern European languages, and has proved a potent source of ideas—beyond, perhaps, its creator’s intention. David Patterson’s broad and humanist outlook will not, I think, eschew an offering which falls outside the https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780429028755/5d57a708-03eb-41bf-bf87-2e27f4729a8e/content/pg203.tif"/> of his own field; one may indeed suspect that a treatment of tohu vavohu will tickle his fancy. The intention, however, is not to celebrate but to curtail confusion, https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780429028755/5d57a708-03eb-41bf-bf87-2e27f4729a8e/content/pg203-1.tif"/>, and David has always demanded, practised and welcomed clarity and clarification in literary as in other matters. Accordingly our offering lies broadly within the purview of his scholarly and educational concerns, and that is what this volume is about. Should then, the topic itself find favour, the primary aim will be achieved: should, further, the argument be found to have made a point, the reward will lie in having presented a piece worthy of its recipient.
