Samuel Collection (4 vols.)

This is a collection of essays by an early twentieth century group of scholars on the books of Samuel, focusing on literary structure. The essays chosen represent a shift in biblical study: from pure historicism to literary analysis. Some of the topics covered are literary type, historical value, and narrative art.

This book, an anthology of previously published writing about Michal together with some new and original essays, is something of an experiment. Its purpose is to provide readers with raw materials for developing their own reading of the Michal story. It does not offer a unified portrait of this biblical character, but rather invites readers to form their own assessment interactively with these readings of the Michal story. At the same time, this book presents some systematic guidance for coping with these divergent interpretations of the complex and tantalizing figure of Michal.

Keys examines the “succession narrative,” a long-held literary and theological viewpoint on the life of David. She gives an in-depth introduction to the concept and its key thinkers through the twentieth century. Key then brings the different views into dialogue, along with her own theories. Giving careful attention to the key passages in 1 Kings and 2 Samuel, she presents a readable analysis of the succession narrative and David’s reign. Keys includes cross-references, translations, notes, indexes, and a bibliography.

This study analyzes the biblical personage Hannah as a literary entity, to illustrate her uniquely significant place in the traditions of Israel as the mother of Samuel and thus of the reform of the priesthood, the creation of the monarchy, and the teacher of all Israel. There are three interweaving themes: first, the literary issue of the barren mother type scene; second, the theological theme of divine guidance and human initiative; and third, the perspectives of early biblical interpretation. The study develops around four works: the Hannah narrative in 1 Samuel 1-2, Pseudo-Philo's Biblical Antiquities, the Targum of the Prophets, and the Infancy Narrative in Luke 1-2.