Qoheleth in "The House of God": Text and Intertext in Qoh 4:17-5:6 (Eng. 5:1-7)

Abstract

Qoh 4:17-5:6 has been titled "the most explicit example of intertextuality" in Qoheleth, but the Jacob-Bethel tradition (e.g., Gen 28:10-22; 31:13; 35:1, 7, 14) has so far played a marginal role in the exegesis of this passage. This article argues for the inclusion of this group of texts among the intertexts to the Qoheleth passage. The argument is based on (1) numerous common features (e.g., "House of God," link between heaven and earth, a problematic vow, a dream) whose co-occurrence is unique to text and intertext; (2) special contribution to the interpretation of the Qoheleth passage, its irony and its coherence, particularly in Qoh 4:17; 5:2, 5-6. The significance of evoking Bethel is explained in terms of the late history of that tradition and of Qoheleth's forms of expression.