Representing the Past: A Literary Analysis of Narrative Historiography in the Book of Samuel (Supplements to Vetus Testamentum, 143)

Eschewing both so-called minimalist and maximalist readings, this volume advocates an understanding of the book of Samuel as ancient narrative historiography that must be understood according to its own conception and ideology of history before being judged as a historical source. This study shows how narrative strategies and literary embellishment, unaccustomed in modern historiography, are used to express familiar historical concepts such as causation, meaning and evaluation of the past. The requirements for historical 'accuracy' within the book's cultural milieu are investigated through analysis of the differences tolerated between the LXX and MT versions. Fresh interpretive insights for specific passages emerge as the conventions of historiography in Samuel are compared and contrasted to the ideals of modern historical theory. Introduction -- Causation -- Meaning And Significance -- Moral, Political And Theological Evaluation -- Coherence And Contradictions -- Conclusion. By Rachelle Gilmour. Originally Presented As The Author's Thesis (doctoral)--university Of Sydney, 2010. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 309-320) And Index. Through literary analysis and comparison with modern historical theory, this volume examines the narrative representation of familiar historical concepts such as causation, significance, evaluation and coherence of past events in the book of Samuel.