Selling Sojourn: Jacob in Egypt as Diaspora Discussion

Abstract

Abstract:Among biblical dislocation stories, the Joseph novella of Genesis 37–50 is unusual in its relatively positive depiction of life outside the land. Hyun Chul Paul Kim has recently examined the Joseph novella as a diaspora narrative, concluding that its hybrid-identified hero conveys a unifying message of encouragement to Jews in the diaspora. However, Joseph contrasts with his father, Jacob, who is dour, fearful, lamenting, "little and evil have been the days of my life" (Gen 47:9). Joseph's brothers, too, perceive their existence in Egypt as precarious (50:15). These varying perspectives contribute to the text's possessing what Mikhail Bakhtin labeled polyphony—many-voicedness—and heteroglossia—different-voicedness. This paper applies elements of Bakhtinian narrative theory and space theory to explore the contrasts in Genesis 45–50 between Jacob, Joseph, and his brothers in relation to departure, dependence, and death. It also explores how such issues may reflect the debates and dilemmas of post-exilic diaspora communities. The characters' perspectives diverge so distinctly that it is impossible to discern definitively which location would be better for the people of Israel: in Yehud, the "promised" land, or in far-flung regions promising alternative possibilities for wealth, belonging, and power.