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.