Versoening in Joodse apokaliptiese literatuur

Abstract

Before the discussion of the subject of reconciliation in apocalyptic literature can be researched it is necessary to answer preliminary questions: What is apocalyptic literature? Where, how and why did it originate? Is it in continuity with the other genres represented in the Old Testament? Were there apocalyptic movements, and what was their function? Apocalyptic writers did not discuss reconciliation as such because in their socio-historical circumstances the issue was not raised. In the different writings allusions are found. Reconciliation with God is interpreted as a property of the chosen righteous, the maskilim or chasidim, the particular apocalyptic group.Reconciliation between people and groups are interpreted within the larger context of the regulations of the Mosaic Torah.