고대 동지중해 공연 문화를 배경으로 히브리 성서 룻기 읽기

Abstract

This paper explores the reading and interpretation of the Book of Ruth within the context of ancient Eastern Mediterranean oral performance culture, offering a comparative analysis with Greco-Roman traditions to illuminate the distinct features of Israelite performance practices. While ancient Israelites have often been characterized as relatively conservative in adopting foreign cultural influences, archaeological and philological evidence reveals that their society was not isolated from broader Mediterranean currents, particularly during the Hellenistic period. The introduction of Greco-Roman style theaters into Jewish territories after Alexander the Great’s eastern campaigns exemplifies this cultural exchange. The study begins by outlining the development of performance traditions in ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing the transition from oral storytelling to more formalized, text-based performances and the architectural evolution of theaters. It then examines the oral and performative dimensions of ancient Israelite society, where communal identity and memory were shaped through storytelling, ritual, and collective recitation, rather than private reading. Special attention is given to the performative aspects of the Book of Ruth, a four-chapter narrative traditionally recited annually during the Jewish festival of Shavuot. The analysis highlights elements such as choral responses, dialogic exchanges, and the interplay of comic and tragic motifs, drawing parallels with Greek drama while underscoring uniquely Israelite features. The study further considers the social and theological messages embedded in Ruth, including themes of hospitality to foreigners, communal solidarity, and the negotiation of identity in the aftermath of exile. By situating Ruth within a broader performance culture, this paper argues that its enduring appeal and significance derive not only from its literary qualities but also from its capacity to engage audiences through oral performance, fostering empathy and reflection across generations. Ultimately, this comparative approach demonstrates that the Book of Ruth, while rooted in Israelite tradition, resonates with universal patterns of storytelling and performance found throughout the ancient Mediterranean world, offering valuable insights for both biblical scholarship and the study of performance cultures