Characters and Characterization in the Book of Samuel (Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies | LHBOTS)
Digital Logos Edition
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
Keith Bodner (PhD, University of Manchester; PhD, University of Aberdeen) is Professor of Religious Studies at Crandall University in New Brunswick and previously taught for several years at Tyndale University College & Seminary in Toronto. He holds doctoral degrees in Biblical Studies from the University of Aberdeen and in English Literature from the University of Manchester.
He serves on the editorial board of the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament and is a former section chair for “Bakhtin and the Biblical Imagination” with the Society of Biblical Literature. His 2008 volume, 1 Samuel: A Narrative Commentary, received the R. B. Y. Scott Award from the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies, and he has lectured extensively to both scholarly and general audiences.
Dr. Bodner’s publications include The Rebellion of Absalom (Routledge) and The Artistic Dimension (LHBOTS), as well as several recent works with Oxford University Press, such as Jeroboam’s Royal Drama, Elisha’s Profile in the Book of Kings, After the Invasion: A Reading of Jeremiah 40–44, and An Ark on the Nile: The Beginning of the Book of Exodus.
In addition to his academic work, he preaches weekly, is married with three children, and humorously notes that he cares for several particularly troublesome cats.