Jeremiad: Marilynne Robinson Defends A Universal Application

Marilynne Robinson's argument in favor of the jeremiad's universal applicability is rooted in the concept of divine expectations of righteousness, which transcends specific religious or cultural boundaries. What emerges in one of her essays, The Fate of Ideas: Moses, is a compelling case for the jeremiad's relevance to all humanity. By examining the Hebrew Bible, Robinson illustrates how divine justice operates universally, emphasizing that God's demands for moral integrity and justice apply to all peoples, not just the Israelites.

The Story of Abraham: A Prime Example

The narrative of Abraham serves as a paradigmatic example of this universal application. In a dream, Abraham is informed that the possession of the Promised Land will be delayed for four hundred years due to the moral condition of the Amorites. This delay, far from being arbitrary, is a direct consequence of the Amorites' moral failure. The Amorites, though not part of the Abrahamic covenant, are held to a standard of righteousness, and their eventual dispossession is a consequence of their moral failure. Thus, the story of Abraham underscores the idea that divine justice is not confined to the Israelites but extends to all peoples.

The Israelites' Approach to Canaan: Respecting Divine Allocation

Robinson further develops her argument by pointing to the Israelites' approach to Canaan. The instructions given to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 2:4–11 are particularly noteworthy. Here, God explicitly states that the lands of the Edomites and Moabites are not to be taken by the Israelites, as these lands have already been allocated to them. What is striking about this passage is the recognition it affords to the Edomites and Moabites, who, though not part of the Abrahamic covenant, are acknowledged as having a legitimate claim to their lands.

The Conditional Nature of the Israelites' Possession

The conditional nature of the Israelites' possession of the Promised Land also supports Robinson's argument. Leviticus and other texts contain warnings from God that the Israelites will be judged by the same standard applied to the Canaanites. Should the Israelites fail to uphold the moral and ethical standards demanded of them, they too will be cast out of the land. This warning serves as a stark reminder of the universality of divine justice, revealing that the Israelites are not exempt from the moral demands placed on other nations.

Conclusion: The Universal Application of the Jeremiad

Through these examples, Robinson demonstrates that the jeremiad's warnings about the consequences of moral failure are relevant to all societies, regardless of their covenantal status. The jeremiad's emphasis on moral accountability and divine justice speaks to the broader human condition, highlighting the universal application of its message. Ultimately, Robinson's defense of the jeremiad's universal applicability is a compelling one, rooted in a nuanced understanding of the Hebrew Bible and its teachings on divine justice and morality.