Royal Apologetic in the Ancient Near East (Writings from the Ancient World Supplement)

A fresh exploration of apologetic material that pushes beyond form criticism Andrew Knapp applies modern genre theory to seven ancient Near Eastern royal apologies that served to defend the legitimacy of kings who came to power under irregular circumstances. Knapp examines texts and inscriptions related to Telipinu, Hattusili III, David, Solomon, Hazael, Esarhaddon, and Nabonidus to identify transhistorical common issues that unite each discourse. Features: Compares Hittite, Israelite, Aramean, Assyrian, and Babylonian apologies Examination of apologetic as a mode instead of a genre Charts and illustrations Cover 1 Contents 8 List of Tables 10 Preface 12 Abbreviations 16 Apology as a Designation of Ancient Near Eastern Text 22 The Nature of Apologetic 26 The Rhetoric of Legitimate Succession 66 The Proclamation of Telipinu 94 The Autobiography of Hattusili III 140 The Traditions of David’s Rise and Reign 182 The Succession Narrative of Solomon 270 The Tel Dan Inscription of Hazael 298 The Accession of Esarhaddon 322 The Rise of Nabonidus 358 Summary 380 Bibliography 388 Subject Index 414 Modern Author Index 425 Ancient Sources Index 431 The Nature Of Apologetic -- The Rhetoric Of Legitimate Succession -- The Proclamation Of Telipinu -- The Autobiography Of Hattusili Iii -- The Traditions Of David's Rise And Reign -- The Succession Narrative Of Solomon -- The Tel Dan Inscription Of Hazael -- The Accession Of Esarhaddon -- The Rise Of Nabonidus -- Summary. By Andrew Knapp. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.