AN INTER-TEXTUAL EXEGESIS OF DEUTERONOMY 8: 18 AND LUKE 12: 16-21 AND ITS ECONOMIC IMPLICATION FOR AFRICAN SOCIAL MILIEU

Abstract

This paper is an inter-textual exegesis of two passages from both Old Testament and New Testament Corpuses, namely Deuteronomy 8:18 and Luke 12: 16-21. While this approach aims at the original intended meaning of the texts, the interpretation and application of both passages in an African experience is contextually palpable. The ethical and theological undertone of both passages as it relates to social interaction challenge the paradigm shift from a love- bond-African society to apathy that seems to have overwhelmed the contemporary African social milieu through the exhibition of greed and injustice by the rich against the poor. Therefore, a re-reading of both passages in this regard is germane. Through this exegetical endeavour the findings reveal that, in times of plenty, often, credit is taken by certain individuals-corrupt and greedy leaders who are by natural laws supposed to manage God’s resources as stewards. Although, it is God who bestows wealth and riches on them and made them custodians of His endowment, they are overwhelmed in mismanagement of resources to the detriment of a larger society.