The Persuasive Appeal of the Chronicler: A Rhetorical Analysis of the Books of Chronicles

Drawing on ancient rhetorical principles, this work brings a novel approach to the exploration of the literary dynamics of the books of Chronicles. Contrary to those who have viewed the Chronicler as ploddy and dull, Duke maintains that the Chronicler understood the historiographical demands of his day. Utilizing traditions, genealogical material, speeches of authoritative characters and paradigmatic portrayal of events and characters, and moving from a cautious inductive presentation of his thesis to a more propositional form of argumentation, the Chronicler retold the story of Israel with skill and artistry. Contents......Page 6 Acknowledgments......Page 10 1. Major Trends in Chronicles Research......Page 12 2. Conclusion: The Place of this Book in Chronicles Research......Page 29 1. The Meaning of 'Rhetoric'......Page 30 2. The Rhetorical Nature of Historical Narratives......Page 32 3. The Nature and Goal of a Rhetorical Analysis......Page 34 4. The Designation of Chronicles as a Rhetorical Unit......Page 36 5. Reading Chronicles with Regard to Samuel–Kings......Page 37 6. The Utilization of Aristotle's Rhetoric......Page 38 1. Introduction......Page 40 2. The Parts of Rhetoric......Page 41 3. Modes of Persuasion......Page 44 4. Types of Rhetorical Speech......Page 46 B. A Purpose of the Chronicler......Page 48 1. Introduction......Page 52 2. Examination of the Structure......Page 55 3. Analysis of the Structure......Page 70 D. Type of Rhetoric......Page 75 A. Introduction to Aristotle's Concept......Page 82 1. Demonstration through the Enthymeme and Example......Page 84 2. The Logical Structure of the Argument......Page 87 3. The Development and Complementary Use of Enthymemes......Page 96 C. Summary and Conclusion......Page 104 1. Aristotle's Criteria......Page 106 2. Tentative Conclusions......Page 108 3. Method for Further Analysis......Page 110 1. Material Parallel to Samuel–Kings: Traditional Material......Page 112 2. Unique Material I: External Proofs......Page 117 3. Unique Material II: Evaluatory Narrative Comments......Page 136 A. Introduction......Page 140 1. Themes and Motifs......Page 142 2. Character Portrayal and Typology......Page 144 4. The Argument: Maxims and Historical Examples......Page 145 5. Direct Address through Speeches......Page 147 C. Summary......Page 148 A. Summary......Page 150 B. Direction for Further Reflection......Page 152 List 1: Narrative Comments with 'Seeking' Enthymeme......Page 156 List 2: Speech Material with 'Seeking' Enthymeme......Page 160 List 3: Speech Material without 'Seeking' Enthymeme......Page 164 List 4: Divine Speech Material......Page 168 List 5: Royal Prayers......Page 170 List 6: Royal Speeches......Page 172 List 7: Royal Statements......Page 174 List 8: Prophetic Speech Material......Page 176 Bibliography......Page 178 Index of Biblical References......Page 186 M......Page 192 Z......Page 193 Rodney K. Duke. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [177]-183) And Indexes.