Run, David, Run!: An Investigation of the Theological Speech Acts of David's Departure and Return (2 Samuel 14–20) (Siphrut: Literature and Theology of the Hebrew Scriptures)

In this book, Steven Mann highlights the role of theology in the story of David’s departure and return as told in 2 Samuel 14–20. Mann’s method of narrative analysis employs a philosophy of language called speech act theory. His primary interest is ways in which speech act theory has been applied to biblical narrative, and he concentrates specifically on speech acts that include theological propositional content, that is, words used to denote God. In this way, Mann analyzes the theological speech acts of the narrative and then suggests a way to view the narrative itself as a speech act. The thesis of this study is that speech act theory illuminates the integral role of theology in the story of David’s departure and return. Theology is not merely one aspect of the story but is in fact a catalyst necessary to the plot. Furthermore, the act of telling the story as 2 Sam 14–20 does is the very act of portraying David’s faith in Yhwh. David’s speech acts demonstrate that he believes that Yhwh is someone who intervenes and who finds ways to bring his banished ones back to him. The narrative portrayal of David’s faith can be understood as an illocutionary act, with the potential effect of encouraging an audience, a perlocutionary act. In other words, Man demonstrates that this story can inspire any readers who see this narrative as a story not only about David but about themselves. COVER Front Table of Contents Acknowledgments Chapter 1: How to Do Things with Theological Words Chapter 2: An Overview of Perspectives on the Function of 2 Samuel 14–2 Chapter 3: Speech Act Theory and David’s Departure and Return Chapter 4: Theological Words from the Wise Chapter 5: Theological Words from the Banished Chapter 6: Theological Words from a Banished King Chapter 7: Theological Words from Opponents Chapter 8: Words from a Storyteller Chapter 9: Words for the Return of a King Chapter 10: David’s Departure and Returnas Illocutionary and Perlocutionary Act Bibliography Index How To Do Things With Theological Words -- An Overview Of The Perspectives On The Function Of 2 Samuel 14-20 -- Speech Act Theory And David's Departure And Return -- Theological Words From The Wise -- Theological Words From The Banished -- Theological Words From A Banished King -- Theological Words From Opponents -- Words From A Storyteller -- Words For The Return Of A King -- David's Departure And Return As Illocutionary And Perlocutionary Act. Steven T. Mann. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 160-176) And Indexes.