Characters and Characterization in the Book of Samuel (Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies | LHBOTS)

by Keith Bodner

Publisher:

T&T Clark

, 2019

Overview

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.

Key Features

• Seeks to recognize the significance of character and characterization in the book of Samuel by considering their importance in Hebrew narrative
• Provides the space to reflect in depth on a variety of the characters that take part in this masterful narrative
• Offers two general studies related to character, and fourteen case studies that focus on specific characters, all with different perspectives and agendas

Contents

• Character as Interpretive Crux in the Book of Samuel Benjamin J.M. Johnson
• Desire Devine: Poems – Pillars Pivots J.P. Fokkelman
• Worthy to be Praised: God as a Character in Samuel Stephen B. Chapman
• Hannah: A Woman Deeply Troubled Jenni Williams
• Eli a High Priest Thrown under the Wheels of the Ox Cart Marvin A. Sweeney
• Orthodox Theology, Ulterior Motives in Samuel’s Farewell Speech? The Characterization of the Prophet in 1 Samuel 12 J. Richard Middleton
• From a Head above the Rest to No Head at All: Transformations in the Life of Saul Paul S. Evans
• David: Kaleidoscope of a King Keith Bodner and Benjamin J.M. Johnson
• The Heir of Saul: Jonathan's Life and Death in Theological Perspective Diana Abernethy
• Analogies between Minor Characters: The Example of Michal Jonathan Jacobs
• Abigail: A Woman of Wisdom and Decisive Action Philip F. Esler
• Joab’s Coherence and Incoherence: Character and Characterization Barbara Green
• Knowing Abner David Shepherd
• ‘A Man of Shame’: Ridiculing Saul’s Son, Ishbosheth Michael Avioz
• Foreigners in David’s Court David G. Firth
• Absalom, A Warrior for Justice – a Life Story in Seven stages Yairah Amit
• Nathan, the Unexpected Gift of a Prophet James E. Patrick

Product Details

• Title: Characters and Characterization in the Book of Samuel (Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies | LHBOTS)
• Author: Keith Bodner
• Series: Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Print Publication Date: 2019
• Logos Release Date: 2019
• Pages: 344
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• ISBNs: 9780567702050, 0567702057
• Resource ID: LLS:CHARSAMUEL
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T22:36:29Z

About Keith Bodner

Keith Bodner (PhD, University of Manchester; PhD, University of Aberdeen) is Stuart E. Murray Chair and professor of religious studies at Crandall University in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. He is also on the pastoral staff at Brunswick Street Baptist Church, Fredericton. Bodner is the author or editor of numerous books, including Jeroboam's Royal Drama, The Psalms, and The Theology of the Book of Kings.

Sample Pages from Characters and Characterization in the Book of Samuel (Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies | LHBOTS)