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Summary
This article offers a literary-stylistic analysis of Esra 7, 1–10 and examines the literary-historical thesis of Gunneweg for literary-stylistic corroboration.
The analysis of Esra 7, 1–6. 8–10 confirms its coherency and answers some questions concerning form and content. An examination of the macro-syntax shows that the story line is formed by w. la. 6a. 8a and the main part of the text consists of three subordinate parts, w. lb-5 (to v. 1a), 6b-e (to v. 6a) and 8b-10 (to v. 8a). V.6d proved to be dependent on v.6b and v.10a on v.9c (§ 2.1). The analysis discloses a strong pattern of word repetitions, which connects the different units with regard to form and content: w.6a.b-c.d-e.8a-b/9a.b.c.10: A.B.C.D/A'.D'.C'.B' (§ 2.2). An analysis of content shows that the story line is only the framework for the three subordinate parts, which offer description. They elaborate the main theme, the characterization of Esra, in a coherent and subtile way. They bring this theme to a climax in stressing the intention of Esra, the instruction of Israel in the law. And they add as sub theme the support from god to this undertaking (§ 2.3).The analysis of Esra 7,7 (macro-syntax, word repetitions and content) shows that this verse doesn't fit well in the context, and confirms in this way that it is secondary, as Gunneweg states (§ 3).