Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Bearpecs AT aol.com]

In a message dated 7/16/01 11:59:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
rvining AT log.on.ca writes:
> Can we assume  that handlers of the JPS text found it to be quite an
> unpalatable way to wind up such a glorious work, and exercised their
> prerogative to change the text so it  read more to their liking?


It is an ancient and respected Jewish custom to end any biblical reading on a 
positive note.  In the prophetic readings following weekly Torah readings in 
synagogue this is common.   It is accepted practice when confronted with a 
negative ending, as in this case, to repeat a more positive verse.  Note that 
JPS has NOT emended the text.  They have simply repeated verse 23.