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1
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2
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- Deuteronomistic History
- vs.
- Chronicler’s History
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3
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- A Tragic Tale of the Failure of Kingship
- (Deuteronomy – 2 Kings)
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4
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5
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6
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- Materials organized to
provide an interpretation of Israel’s road to tragedy
- 1st edition written before the exile to Babylon (640-609 BCE)
- 2nd edition written during the exile in Babylon (ca. 550
BCE).
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7
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- Has God chosen to break his “everlasting” promise (Gen. 15:18-19;
17:7-8) to give the us this land – and so is a untrustworthy, capricious
God unworthy of honor/worship?
- Is our God not as strong as the other nations’ gods, so we should switch
our allegiance to their more powerful gods?
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8
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- God is all-powerful.
- God is all-good
- Terrible things happen in the world
- Theodicy: How do explain God’s justice in the face of evil?
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9
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- Nation’s sin – rejection of Yahweh (Lord of history) for gods of Canaan
(Baal nature cults) – brought Israel to its tragic end.
- Even with nation’s guilt, forgiveness and redemption possible – call to
repentance.
- Deuteronomic editor strove to sustain people during trying times
(Babylonian Exile), focusing on Davidic covenant.
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10
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- Deuteronomy to 2 Kings (Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1
& 2 Kings)
- Although diverse materials (hero tales, tribal traditions, royal
records, etc.), they comprise an ideological and literary unit.
- Editorial sections tie originally divergent materials together to form a
literary unit.
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11
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- Deuteronomion = second (repeated) law
- “Found” in Temple during religious reforms of King Josiah (640-609 BCE).
- Theme of book and entire Deuteronomic history: obedience brings
blessing; disobedience brings chaos.
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12
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13
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14
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- Yahweh leads Israel’s conquest of Canaan.
- Only Israel’s unfaithfulness can thwart Yahweh.
- It is Yahweh’s cause, Yahweh’s fight, Yahweh’s victory.
- Three-stage victory:
- Central Highlands
- Southern Canaan
- Northern Canaan
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15
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16
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- Siege of Jericho depicted as ritual act.
- People (and their animals!) of Canaan utterly destroyed (6:21; 8:24;
10:40; 11:10-22) – but Judges?
- One soldier kept some booty for himself from Jericho, which is reason
for defeat at Ai. Offender
punished, allowing for victory at Ai.
- After northern campaign, Israel in full possession of the land.
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17
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18
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19
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20
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- Starts “after death of Joshua.”
- Totally different account of conquest – Israel living among the
Canaanites, who possess it.
- Who possesses cities of Jerusalem, Gezer, Taanach, Megiddo, and
Dor? Joshua 12:7-24 vs. Judges
1:21, 27-33.
- Loose confederacy of tribes.
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21
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- Judge (shophet) = deliverer, “one who sets things right” or “one who
rules” – civil/military leaders.
- Judge is one who delivers the oppressed more than applying notion of
equality.
- Charismatic, temporary leaders.
- 12 Judges mentioned, but only six have full stories.
- Theology communicated through literary structure, not character of
heroes, who are brutish.
- God works through weak individuals.
- Great storytelling!
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22
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23
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- Land, LAND, LAND!!!
- Land as Gift (YHWH intends those without land to receive a safe place to
live)
- Land as Summons (Those living in land must respond to the gift of the
land)
- Land as Seduction (Safety in land induces those in the land to see it as
property and not as gift)
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24
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- The last judge – Samuel – not able to muster military strength
sufficient to overcome Philistines.
- Transition from confederacy to monarchy – rise of a nation with rise of
kings.
- Repetitions, contradictory accounts, telescoped stories indicate
compiled literary traditions.
- Religious history, not modern
history.
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25
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- Judge, seer, priest, prophet – multiple roles result of conflation of
literary traditions.
- Samuel represents past and future – embodies Israel’s ambiguity of
seeking a king.
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26
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- Philistines
- Sea People from east
- Settled on coast of Canaan after unsuccessful invasion of Egypt.
- Iron weapons!
- Name “Palestine” derives from Philistines.
- Israelites
- Weak Confederacy.
- Philistine victory at Aphek because of corruption of Hophni and Phinehas
(Eli’s sons), capture of ark, Eli dies.
- Flint and copper weapons.
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27
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- Antimonarchical
- 8:1-22
- 10:17-27
- 12:1-25
- Promonarchical
- 9:1-10:16
- 11:1-15
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28
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- Reign: 1030-1010 BCE
- Goes from God-anointed to God-forsaken.
- Early career:
- Defeats Ammonites after killing ox, cutting into 12 pieces, and sending
to 12 Tribes as a threat (Godfather’s horse head!).
- Installed as king at Gilgal sanctuary.
- “Low tech” king: no royal court, no harem, no levying of regular taxes,
no change in tribal organization, no conscription (army mainly from own
tribe of Benjamin).
- More like a glorified judge than a king.
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29
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- Defeats Philistines at Michmash.
- Hero = Saul’s son, Jonathan, who plunged into Philistine camp to create
confusion.
- Saul, though, had proclaimed a fast before battle – and Jonathan, not
knowing of the fast, ate honey.
- Saul orders Jonathan’s execution, but people’s intervention saves him.
- Does this event “disqualify” Jonathan to be kin in Deuteronomic
Historian’s eyes?
- Also defeats Moabites, Edomites, Amalekites, etc.
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30
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- Incident #1
- Saul condemned for performing a
priestly function when Samuel arrives late to bless troops at Gilgal
before battle. Samuel announces
that Saul’s house would not continue ruling Israel.
- (1 Sam 13:7-15)
- Incident #2
- After victory over Amalekites,
Saul violates herem by sparing Agag, the Amalekite king, and saving the
best spoils for a special sacrifice at Gilgal. Samuel abandons Saul.
- (1 Sam 15:1-35)
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31
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32
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33
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34
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- Saul becomes depressed, tormented, jealous.
- Philistines continue to press militarily.
- Tribes retain too much autonomy and independence.
- Saul losing his charisma – becomes tragic figure.
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35
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- Samuel directed by God to House of Jesse in Bethlehem in Judah.
- Refrained from anointing Eliab, the elder brother who was an imposing
physical stature (like Saul!).
“Do not look on his
appearance or height, for Yahweh does not see as mortals see; Yahweh
looks on the heart.” (1 Sam 16:7)
- Anoints David, the youngest.
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36
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- Book of Samuel goal: legitimate David’s reign.
- Book underscores that David succeeds Saul because he is God’s choice.
- Affirmed by:
- Marriage to Saul’s daughter.
- Military prowess over Israel’s enemies
- Popular affirmation by both southerners and northerners.
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37
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- David is Yahweh’s elect; Yahweh’s presence has departed Saul.
- Saul declines, David ascends.
- Two different stories regarding David’s introduction to Saul:
- Lyre musician whose playing sooths Saul’s depression.
- Shepherd boy who kills Goliath, the Philistine giant.
- Jonathan and David = friends who make covenant recognizing David as
king-elect.
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38
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- David’s military successes earn loyalty of soldiers and people (“Saul
has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands” – 1 Sam 18:7).
- Saul reneges on promise to give his daughter Merab to slayer of Goliath;
sets price for marriage to daughter Michal at 100 Philistine foreskins
(David comes back with 200).
- Saul tries to kill David with spear as he plays on lyre for king. Saul instructs Jonathan and servants
to kill David (Jonathan refuses).
Saul sends assassins to kill David, but Michal delays them so
David can escape.
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39
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- Jonathan efforts to reconcile Saul and David fail.
- David flees court, but maintains respect for Saul as the anointed king
(three times he has opportunity to kill Saul, but refrains).
- David seeks sanctuary with religious leaders.
- Goes to Samuel in Ramah; saved when pursuing Saul gets caught up in
religious fervor of band of ecstatic prophets.
- Goes to priests at Nob (given holy bread and Goliath’s sword); Saul has
85 priest of Nob murdered for assisting David (only Edomite mercenary,
Doeg, would carry out execution order; only Abiathar escapes to join
David).
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40
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- David seeks refuge among Philistines – has to faint madness to escape
their suspicions.
- Becomes leader of band of outlaw in hills of Judah whose hideout is in
cave southwest of Bethlehem; ran border “protection” racket for wealthy.
- Becomes mercenary for Philistines – plays both sides against each other
at times. Gains support of people
of Judah and trust of Philistines (see him as ally since Saul is his
enemy).
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41
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- With David at their side (although he is not part of battle),
Philistines attack Israelites.
- Saul despondent and seeks help from witch at Endor (practice outlawed by Saul himself!),
having her summon the dead Samuel who predicts Saul’s defeat and death
of his sons due to Saul’s rejection of Yahweh.
- Philistines win and Saul’s sons, including Jonathan, are killed. They cut off Saul’s head, displayed
his armor in a temple at Ashtaroth, and hang bodies on walls of
Bethshan.
- Israel’s first king comes to an inglorious end.
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42
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- 1. After death of Saul, reigns in Hebron over Judah alone for two years
(as Philistine vassal king?).
- 2. Ruled all of Israel from Hebron for five and a half years (Isbosheth,
son of Saul, and Abner, commander, fight over one of Saul’s concubines;
Abner switches loyalty to David; Joab, David’s commander, kills Abner;
Isbosheth assassinated by two of his own officers). 2 Sam 5:3.
- 3. Ruled Israel from Jerusalem (defeats Philistines) and expanded its
borders (overruns Ammon, Edom, Moab) for 33 years (Hittites weakened,
Egypt and Assyria distracted; makes alliance with Phoencia). Jerusalem = neutral, Jebusite city in
middle of north and south; transfers ark to Jerusalem to make it the
religious center of united Israel.
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43
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- Court History: 2 Samuel 9-20 and 1 Kings 1-2
- The Troubles during David’s reign.
- Seduction of Bathsheba and murder of Uriah
- Rape of Tamar (sister of Absalom) by Amnon
- Murder of Amnon by Absalom (who is exiled for three years)
- Absalom’s rebellion -- proclaimed king in Hebron; David flees
Jerusalem; Joab kills Absalom; David pardons Absalom’s co-conspirators
and makes their general, Amasa, his commander, replacing Joab.
- Rebellion of Sheba of Benjamin – northern tribes upset with lack of
punishment of rebels, Joab murders Amasa, Sheba assassinated.
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44
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45
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- Stands with Abraham and Moses as major figure of Hebrew history and
Jewish faith.
- Establishment of Jerusalem as cultic center.
- David seen by Deuteronomic Historian as the primary figure for
accomplishing God’s purpose in
history, selected by Yahweh to administer “justice and equity to
all his people.”
- Davidic Covenant (2 Sam 23:5) supplanted Sinai Covenant until seventh
century (prophets emphasize Davidic covenant, don’t mention Sinai
covenant).
- David’s reign brought to fulfillment Abrahamic Covenant.
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46
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- Adonijah
- Oldest son of David
- Supported by Joab (David’s commander) and Abiathar (David’s priest)
- Solomon
- Supported by Bathsheba (David’s wife) and Nathan (David’s prophet)
- Slays Adonijah when he requests David’s concubine, Abishag.
- Slays Joab as he requests sanctuary, clinging to horns of altar.
- Banishes Abiathar
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47
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- Pros
- David’s son.
- Builds temple, fortifies cities, refurbishes buildings.
- Increases trade by enhancing relationship with Phoenicians and building
seaport.
- Literary accomplishments
- Cons
- Worships wives’ foreign gods and aspires to foreign royal ways (harem of
1000 connected to political alliances).
1Kgs 11:4
- Increases taxation and forced labor (1 of every 3 months) to support
building projects.
- Sets up 12 taxation districts which undercut tribal boundaries.
- Intensifies class divisions.
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48
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- Judah’s Kings
- Date king took throne relative to reign of king of Israel
- Age at which king came to throne
- Name of king’s mother
- Value judgment of king relative to David, the standard of comparison
- Israel’s Kings
- Date king took throne relative to reign of king of Judah
- Location of capital city of Israel
- Length of reign
- Negative evaluation of king (except for Sallum, who only reigned 1
month.
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49
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- Judah and Benjamin (Judah) accepted Rehoboam.
- Meeting at Shechem – 10 northern tribes (Israel) ask Rehoboam to relax
taxation and forced labor. 1 Kgs
12
- Older advisers of Rehoboam agree, younger friends advise that he assert
his authority – he follows the latter advice.
- North rebelled, killing Adoram when he came to round up labor pool, and
proclaimed Jeroboam (anointed earlier by the priest Ahijah) king of
Israel (northern tribes).
- Israel tried to recapture “charismatic” leadership model (19 kings in 9
dynasties in 200 years); Judah solidified Davidic dynasty (20 kings in 1
dynasty in 330 years).
- Israel separated on religious grounds – select leaders on loyalty to
Yahweh, not on blood line.
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50
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- New political capitol: Schechem
- New cultic centers: Bethel and Dan (golden calves probably not for Baal
worship)
- Theme of 1 & 2 Kings: infidelity to Yahweh brings judgment (see 1
Kings 15:34) – Israel’s exile by Assyrians
- Israel’s sin: rejection of House of David and temple worship in
Jerusalem.
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51
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- Unable to move against north because of Egyptian aggression, which
resulted in tribute payments.
- Judah was less wealthy and less powerful, but more isolated and united
than Israel.
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52
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- Baal Religion: Dominant faith?
- Main Myths of Baal Faith: Agricultural fertility religion
- Monotheism as Minority Religion:
Gee, Blenkinsopp, Lang
- Cult Prostitution: Real or imagined?
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53
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54
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55
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56
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57
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- Army commander who captured throne through a coup.
- Established stability for Israel’s throne – Assyrians called Israel
“house of Omri.”
- Sealed alliance with Phoenicia by marrying son (Ahab) to Jezebel, a
princess of Tyre.
- Alliance opened trade and provided protection against Syria and Assyria.
- Had military successes in Moab, etc.
- Made Samaria Israel’s capitol.
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58
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- Receives negative evaluation by Deuteronomist due to Jezebel and Baal
worship (Ahab constructs Baal temple for her).
- Politically- and militarily-able leader who fortified important cities.
- Entered into alliance with Judah against Syria (Judah was basically a
vassal of Israel).
- Elijah rose up to combat Baalism (e.g. 1 Kgs 18:17-40).
- Jezebel attempts to kill Elijah so he escapes to Sinai/Horeb.
- Story of Naboth (1 Kings 21)
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59
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60
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- Elisha has Jehu, captain of Israel’s army under Jehoram (Ahab’s son and
successor), anointed king (prophetically sanctioned coup!).
- Jehu’s house ruled Israel for almost 100 years.
- Jehu chose concession in face of Assyrian aggression.
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61
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- Book of Kings condemns him for continuing apostasy, but he was an
important leader.
- Reopened trade and spurred time of economic prosperity.
- After Jeroboam, Israel thrown into period of political instability.
- Sargon II, the Assyrian king, captures Samaria in 722 BCE.
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62
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- Assyrians conquer Samaria in 722 BCE
- Deports Israel’s leaders into exile throughout Assyrian empire (27,290
Israelites according to Assyrian records).
- Move people into Israel from other parts of empire (other exiles!).
- Samaritans of New Testament are descendents of transplanted foreigners
who intermarry with Jews left behind -- and who follow Yahwehism
(Scripture is Penteteuch and worship on Mt. Gerizim).
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63
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- International: a time of transition, a pause in Assyrian strength;
return of Assyrian threat with ascendancy of Tiglath-pileser III
(745-727)
- Economy: Prosperous; improved agriculture with towers and wells
- Military: Restored Jerusalem fortifications, reorganized and upgraded
army (introduced siege engines)
- Religion: Critiqued by DH for not eliminating high places.
- (Jotham becomes regent in 750 when Uzziah struck with leprosy)
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64
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- International: Syro-Ephraimitic disaster – makes alliance with Assyria
- Economy: Sent into depression due to drain of tribute and lost revenue
due to constricted borders.
- Military: Staved off Israel’s fate, but still lost Edom and territory
that was lost to Israel-Syria.
- Religion: Reign marked by idolatry; political subservience accompanied
by recognition of
Assyrian gods (construction of Assyrian altar in temple),
proliferation of high places, Ahaz sacrificed son to god Moloch.
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65
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- International: Assyrian power weakened due to Babylonian (and other
vassals) rebellion after fall of Samaria.
- Military: Strengthened walls of Jerusalem and surrounding cities,
secured Jerusalem water supply (Siloam tunnel), reorganized army,
reestablished diplomatic relations with neighbors (Ashdod rebellion in
712)
- Religion: Centralized YHWH worship in Jerusalem, removed Assyrian
elements from temple, tore down local shrines
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66
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- Sargon’s death in 705 was window of opportunity to rebel against
Assyrians.
- Babylonian king established alliance with Judah and other nations – they
rose up.
- After Sennacherib subdued Babylon, he moved against the western
alliance.
- 46 fortified cities of Judah fell, and Hezekiah shut up “like a bird in
a cage in the midst of Jerusalem.”
Biblical account: angel (epidemic?) massacred Assyrian army,
which lead to their leaving.
- Hezekiah submitted, vast areas of Judah stripped from his control and he
had to deplete royal treasury and temple gold for tribute
- A second revolt in 691 (army epidemic)
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67
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- Manasseh (687-642 BCE): A return to the policy of Assyrian
accommodation.
- Josiah (640-609 BCE): Deuteronomistic reformer who came to power during
the collapse of Assyrian empire.
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68
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- Assyria empire crumbling.
- Mede-Babylon Alliance conquers Nineveh (capitol of Assyria) in 612 BCE.
- Josiah is king of Judah.
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69
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- 1 & 2 Chronicles-Ezra-Nehemiah:
- Revisionist Version of
- Restoration History?
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70
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- Exiles’ perspective.
- Priestly.
- Ending of Chronicles same as beginning of Ezra.
- Abound in lists and genealogies.
- Idealized reigns of David (!), Solomon and Hezekiak.
- Traced Levitical institutions to David.
- Focus: priesthood, temple, worship.
- 1 & 2 Chronicles emphasizes David and Prophets.
- Ezra-Nehemiah emphasize Moses and Torah.
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71
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- DH
- Northern Levites
- 550 BCE
- Exilic community
- Reasons for God’s judgment
- CH
- Postexilic Priests
- 400-200 BCE
- Restored community
- Jerusalem temple, worship, Levites
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72
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- Ezra and Nehemiah are the main biblical sources for restoration period
after exile.
- Sparse Archaeological Investigation of Persian Period.
- Encroachment of Edomites after destruction of Edom by last Babylonian
king – will become Idumea.
- Abandonment of Jerusalem during Babylonian Period.
- Growth of towns around Jerusalem during Persian Period
- Persians refused to allow cities to rebuild walls, except for
Phoenician towns or Persian army fortress towns.
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73
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- Ezra-Nehemiah were originally one book, and Nehemiah 8-9 were displaced
in transmission.
- Who came first? Ezra or Nehemiah?
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74
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- Story of Zerubbabel (Ezra 1-6)
- Story of Ezra (Ezra 7-10, Nehemiah 8-9
- Story of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1-7, 10-13):
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75
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76
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- 538 BCE – Sheshbazzar (governor) leads return after Cyrus issues
edict. Temple rebuilding begun
(foundations laid, although old people cry at its pitiful size), but due
to economic hardship and local opposition it is not finished.
- 522 BCE – Zerubbabel (governor) and Jeshua (high priest) lead a second
group back to Palestine during reign of Darius I (522-486 BCE) and they
complete the temple in 515.
- 458 BCE – Ezra (governor) leads a third group of Jews back to Palestine
during reign of Artaxerxes I (465-424 BCE) and reestablished adherence
to Mosaic standards of law.
- 445 BCE – Nehemiah (governor) is sent to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem
and he returns religious-civil authority to the Levites.
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Notes
