The preeminent Old Testament journal Zeitschrift fur die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft has officially published my article on Habakkuk 3 in its most recent issue. Here is the abstract for the article:
This study looks at the growth and development of the text of Hab 3, arguing that three specific stages of editorial activity are in evidence. At each stage one may discern a reinterpretation fitting its context. First, the theophanic core (vv. 3–15) is comprised of an ancient theophanic tradition (vv. 3–7) and an equally ancient Chaoskampf motif (vv. 8–15). This unit is dated prior to the exile. Second, a psalmic redaction sees the addition of various superscriptive elements in v. 1, a frame for the core theophany (vv. 2.16a.18–19), and the three occurrences of sælah (vv. 3.9.13). This text belongs to the early Persian period and sees the transformation of the theophanic core into a complaint psalm imploring YHWH’s assistance. Third, its incorporation into the growing corpus of the Twelve sees the inclusion of the name »Habakkuk« (v. 1) and Joel-related language in vv. 16b–17. At this final stage one may detect a final reinterpretation of the earlier complaint, couched now in terms of divine assurance that Babylon would not go unpunished. Hab 3 thus serves as a sort of microcosm for the way in which Judah experienced, struggled with, and ultimately made sense of the experience of exile.
The full bibliographic reference, if you are interested in checking it out, is as follows (and please, if you read it, do share your comments):
John E. Anderson, “Awaiting an Answered Prayer: The Development and Reinterpretation of Habakkuk 3 in its Contexts” ZAW 123 (2011): 57-71.
Congrats!