Invoking YHWH in 1 Kings 1–2 (Studies in Biblical Literature)

Invoking YHWH in 1 Kings 1–2 argues that invocations of YHWH have a number of functions in 1 Kings 1–2, dependent on the identities of the characters speaking, their relationships, and the narrative contexts in which they participate. This book adopts narrative criticism to undertake a close reading of 1 Kings 1–2 that pays particular attention to how the characters and the narrator use invocations of YHWH and the events in the plot that prompt or result from this language. Invoking YHWH in 1 Kings 1–2 highlights the exegetical importance of invocations of YHWH, which have yet to be engaged thoroughly in the field. Aimed at students and those with an interest in the academic study of the Bible, this book’s focus on invocations of YHWH raises new interpretations of 1 Kings 1–2. This study seeks to encourage scholarly attention toward invocations of YHWH that appear outside of these chapters, with the hope that such research will generate new ways of understanding the function of this language in the Bible. Cover Table of Contents Acknowledgments List of Abbreviations Preface Introduction Studying the Narrative of 1 Kings 1–2 The Argument Notes Chapter 1. A Narrative Critical Method for Interpreting 1 Kings 1–2 Narrative Criticism: Interpretive Assumptions Narrative Criticism and Interpretation: Narrative Voice, Plot Development, and Characterization Through Dialogue Conclusion Notes Chapter 2. David’s Health and Adonijah’s Plan for the Throne (1 Kgs 1:1–10) 1 Kgs 1:1–4, King David and Abishag 1 Kgs 1:5–10, Division in the Kingdom Conclusion Notes Chapter 3. Nathan, Bathsheba, and David Speak (1 Kgs 1:11–31) 1 Kgs 1:11–14, Nathan’s Words to Bathsheba 1 Kgs 1:15–21, Bathsheba’s Words to David 1 Kgs 1:22–27, Nathan’s Words to David 1 Kgs 1:28–31, David’s Words to Bathsheba Conclusion Notes Chapter 4. Solomon’s Coronation and Adonijah’s Response (1 Kgs 1:32–53) 1 Kgs 1:32–35, David’s Commands for Solomon’s Anointing 1 Kgs 1:36–37, Benaiah Invokes YHWH 1 Kgs 1:38–40, The Anointing of Solomon 1 Kgs 1:41–53, Adonijah and Solomon Conclusion Notes Chapter 5. King David’s Last Words (1 Kgs 2:1–12) 1 Kgs 2:1–4, David’s Instructions for Solomon: YHWH 1 Kgs 2:5–9, David’s Instructions for Solomon: Other Characters 1 Kgs 2:10–12, The Death of David and the Rise of Solomon Conclusion Notes Chapter 6. Adonijah’s Request for Abishag (1 Kgs 2:13–25) 1 Kgs 2:13–18, Adonijah and Bathsheba Speak 1 Kgs 2:19–25, Bathsheba and Solomon Speak Conclusion Notes Chapter 7. Solomon Establishes His Kingdom (1 Kgs 2:26–46) 1 Kgs 2:26–27, Solomon Banishes Abiathar 1 Kgs 2:28–34, The Death of Joab 1 Kgs 2:36–46, The Death of Shimei Conclusion Notes Conclusion Functions of Invocations of YHWH in 1 Kings 1–2 Reflecting on YHWH’s Name in 1 Kings 1–2 Conclusion Notes Index Index of Hebrew Terms "This book argues that invocations of YHWH have a number of functions in 1 Kings 1-2, with the function of characters' invocations being particularly dependent on the identities of the characters, their relationships, and the narrative contexts in which they participate. Invoking YHWH in 1 Kings 1-2 adopts narrative criticism to undertake a close reading of 1 Kings 1-2 that pays particular attention to how the characters and the narrator use invocations of YHWH and the events in the plot that prompt or result from this language. Invoking YHWH in 1 Kings 1-2 highlights the exegetical importance of invocations of YHWH, which have yet to be engaged thoroughly in the field. Aimed at students and those with an interest in the academic study of the Bible, this book's focus on invocations of YHWH raises new interpretations of 1 Kings 1-2. The study seeks to encourage scholarly attention toward invocations of YHWH that appear outside of these chapters, with the hope that such research will generate new ways of understanding the function of this language in the Bible"-- Provided by publisher