DEATHLY SILENCE AND APOCALYPTIC NOISE: OBSERVATIONS ON THE
SOUNDSCAPE OF THE BOOK OF THE TWELVE.
Verbum et Ecclesia, 31 (1):
1 - 5 (2010)Abstract
This paper proposes a reading of the Book of the Twelve (used
interchangeably with 'Twelve' and 'Book' for convenience) that
concentrates on the sound that is included in the description of the world
of the text. Three onomatopoeic devices are singled out. First, the
mourning cry hoy is considered. This interjection is used differently in
several of the writings: in Amos (5:18; 6:1) the prophet cries out in
compassion with the addressees. By contrast, in Nahum 3:1 and Habakkuk
2:6-19, hoy is uttered in a mood of mockery. In Zechariah 2:10 a third,
joyful hoy is used. It appears that the different usages cohere nicely
with the overall structure of the Book of the Twelve. Secondly, the
interjection has likewise shows different usages. In Amos 6:10 and 8:3, it
simulates the last breath of Israelites dying when the land is devastated.
By contrast, in Habakkuk 2:20, Zephaniah 1:7 and Zechariah 2:17, the
addressees are directed to be silent before YHWH. This command should be
perceived as a