Intro. to the Hebrew Bible

Study Guide for Quiz #4

Spring 2004

Reading

Bible:
Judges 8-17
1 Samuel
2 Samuel 1- 20, 24
1 Kings 1-2
The Old Testament Story: pp. 141-163, 177-203

Polytheism and Goddess worship

Names of the fertility goddess in Palestine
Anat
mythological consort of Ba'al

Introduction to the Deuteronomist

(Joshua,) Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings
= former prophets
Historiography
Martin Noth
literary theory similar to supplementary hypothesis
Core text which has been overlaid with various supplements:
Division of the land in Joshua
Last 5 chapter of Judges
Succession narrative in Samuel
Deuteronomist as historian
dates etc.
40 years
Deuteronomist as theologian
Written during time of major crisis of faith (Babylonina captivity)
Failure to mention restoration locates time of writing to period of captivity
How could God have allowed Jerusalem, with the Temple, to be destroyed?
covenant theology (Deuteronomy):
People/king keep covenant -> God's provision and protection
People/king violate covenant -> God's punishment
History in same model
Political events reflect nation's relationship with God

Judges

Deuteronomic Structure in Judges
People sin
God punishes using enemies
People repent & call on God
God raises up a "savior"
Hero story: Enemies defeated
[Hero judges]
Peace for n(40) years
[Hero dies]
Ehud
humor in violence
Deborah
women as agents of war/violence
Jephthah
the tragic vow

The Chronicler

Literary method
literal dependence on sources
esp. Samuel-Kings
Deuteronomist vs. Chronicler
David and the building of the Temple
Succession story missing
Northern kings not described
Ezra-Nehemiah