Yehudi's Interpretation of the Scroll to Princes and the King in Jeremiah 36: 14, 21-23: Its Significance to African Biblical Hermeneutics

Abstract

This study examines Yehudi’s interpretation and delivery of the scroll to the princes and the king in Jeremiah 36:11-24, situating it within the framework of African Biblical Hermeneutics. The paper addresses the underrepresentation of African figures and perspectives in mainstream biblical scholarship, particularly in the Jeremiah narrative, where Yehudi, a figure with African ancestry, plays a pivotal role. The narrative highlights the socio-political and theological tensions of the prophetic message in the face of political resistance and elite power. This episode resonates with African leadership experiences and the clampdown on prophetic voices. The study employs narrative criticism, socio-rhetorical analysis and integrates African Biblical Hermeneutics. This study contributes to ongoing discussions about the decolonization of theological education and the need for interpretive frameworks that honor both the universality of Scripture and the particularities of local communities. This paper recommends innovative avenues for incorporating ancient narratives into modern African hermeneutical practices.