Characters and Characterization in the Book of Samuel
Published on 12. December 2019
Book
Hardback
344 pages
978-0-567-68086-0 (ISBN)
Description
Characters provide the entry point to the story of the books of Samuel, just as they do in all stories. In this book the history of research into characters in Samuel, and the role(s) they play in the text are examined and discussed. The contributors look at the interpretative function of characters in the Samuel stories, and at issues of textual composition and what profiling of characters within the text can add to theories surrounding this issue.
Specific characters are also profiled and studied. The character of God is examined: is God kind towards Israel? Is God loving and 'worthy to be praised' 2 Sam 22.4. Characters such as Hannah are examined from the perspective of literary type, as well as Eli as priest and Samuel himself as prophet. All of the major characters within the books are studied, including David and Jonathan, and chapters also treat the minor characters and offer information on their roles in the structure of the text. The contributors provide a range of different approaches to characterization, according to their specific expertise, and provide a thorough handbook to the characters in Samuel and their roles in the literary make-up of the text.
Specific characters are also profiled and studied. The character of God is examined: is God kind towards Israel? Is God loving and 'worthy to be praised' 2 Sam 22.4. Characters such as Hannah are examined from the perspective of literary type, as well as Eli as priest and Samuel himself as prophet. All of the major characters within the books are studied, including David and Jonathan, and chapters also treat the minor characters and offer information on their roles in the structure of the text. The contributors provide a range of different approaches to characterization, according to their specific expertise, and provide a thorough handbook to the characters in Samuel and their roles in the literary make-up of the text.
Reviews / Votes
The 17 essays found in this volume are a thoughtful collection of scholarly research that focus on the significance of character and characterization in the book of Samuel ... A collection such as this one provides an opportunity to explore the many facets of the characters of Samuel. For those who wish to delve into the world of poetics and characterization with a focus on a particular character in Samuel, this collection is a good place to start. For those who want to explore particular texts in the Book of Samuel and their exegetical analysis, this volume provides a rich source. I look forward to reading the companion volume on the Book of Kings. * Biblische Notizen * The collection contains a number of stimulating studies and will hopefully further the conversation around the construction of characters and characterisation in the [Holy Bible]. * Journal for the Study of the Old Testament *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Weight
658 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-567-68086-0 (9780567680860)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Keith Bodner | Benjamin J.M. Johnson
Characters and Characterization in the Book of Samuel
E-Book
12/2019
1st Edition
T.& T.Clark Ltd
€36.49
Available for download
Persons
Keith Bodner is Professor of Religious Studies at Crandall University, USA.
Benjamin J.M. Johnson is Tutor in Religious Interpretation at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, UK.
Benjamin J.M. Johnson is Tutor in Religious Interpretation at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, UK.
Content
List of Contributors
Preface
List of Abbreviations
1. Character as Interpretive Crux in the Book of Samuel Benjamin J.M. Johnson
2. Desire Devine: Poems - Pillars Pivots J.P. Fokkelman
3. Worthy to be Praised: God as a Character in Samuel Stephen B. Chapman
4. Hannah: A Woman Deeply Troubled Jenni Williams
5. Eli a High Priest Thrown under the Wheels of the Ox Cart Marvin A. Sweeney
6. Orthodox Theology, Ulterior Motives in Samuel's Farewell Speech? The Characterization of the Prophet in 1 Samuel 12 J. Richard Middleton
7. From a Head above the Rest to No Head at All: Transformations in the Life of Saul Paul S. Evans
8. David: Kaleidoscope of a King Keith Bodner and Benjamin J.M. Johnson
9. The Heir of Saul: Jonathan's Life and Death in Theological Perspective Diana Abernethy
10. Analogies between Minor Characters: The Example of Michal Jonathan Jacobs
11. Abigail: A Woman of Wisdom and Decisive Action Philip F. Esler
12. Joab's Coherence and Incoherence: Character and Characterization Barbara Green
13. Knowing Abner David Shepherd
14. 'A Man of Shame': Ridiculing Saul's Son, Ishbosheth Michael Avioz
15. Foreigners in David's Court David G. Firth
16. Absalom, A Warrior for Justice - a Life Story in Seven stages Yairah Amit
17. Nathan, the Unexpected Gift of a Prophet James E. Patrick
Afterword
Bibliography
Index
Preface
List of Abbreviations
1. Character as Interpretive Crux in the Book of Samuel Benjamin J.M. Johnson
2. Desire Devine: Poems - Pillars Pivots J.P. Fokkelman
3. Worthy to be Praised: God as a Character in Samuel Stephen B. Chapman
4. Hannah: A Woman Deeply Troubled Jenni Williams
5. Eli a High Priest Thrown under the Wheels of the Ox Cart Marvin A. Sweeney
6. Orthodox Theology, Ulterior Motives in Samuel's Farewell Speech? The Characterization of the Prophet in 1 Samuel 12 J. Richard Middleton
7. From a Head above the Rest to No Head at All: Transformations in the Life of Saul Paul S. Evans
8. David: Kaleidoscope of a King Keith Bodner and Benjamin J.M. Johnson
9. The Heir of Saul: Jonathan's Life and Death in Theological Perspective Diana Abernethy
10. Analogies between Minor Characters: The Example of Michal Jonathan Jacobs
11. Abigail: A Woman of Wisdom and Decisive Action Philip F. Esler
12. Joab's Coherence and Incoherence: Character and Characterization Barbara Green
13. Knowing Abner David Shepherd
14. 'A Man of Shame': Ridiculing Saul's Son, Ishbosheth Michael Avioz
15. Foreigners in David's Court David G. Firth
16. Absalom, A Warrior for Justice - a Life Story in Seven stages Yairah Amit
17. Nathan, the Unexpected Gift of a Prophet James E. Patrick
Afterword
Bibliography
Index