Through this lesson the student will learn how to interpret the stories of Samuel and Saul within the context of the Deuteronomistic History.

Bible: 1 Samuel 1-15

Bellis, Helpmates, Harlots, and Heroes, pp. 140-42
Coogan, Oxford History of the Biblical World, pp. 165-83

Lecture: Samuel and Saul: The Rise of Kingship

Interpret one of the following stories:

Ark Narrative (1 Samuel 4:1-7:1)
Saul's Election as King (1 Samuel 8-11)
Saul's Battle with the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15)

Each of these stories needs to be interpreted in the context of the Deuteronomistic History. How does each of these stories function within the larger narrative? What is the message of the story?

With regard to the Ark Narrative: Why does the Deuteronomistic historian tell a story about the ark? How does the story compare with the exodus story? What is the message for the Israelite audience?

With regard to Saul's Election as King: What is the ideology of kingship that is presented in the story? How does Saul fulfill the role of the king? How is Saul like Gideon or Jephthah?

With regard to Saul's Battle with the Amalekites: How does Saul disobey the command of God? What message is the Deuteronomistic historian communicating through his use of the prophetic tradition (vv. 22-23)?

How might the story of Eli relate to the story of Saul? What are the common elements in both stories? What role does Samuel play in both stories?

Evaluate the characterization of Saul in this narrative. What are his positive features? What are his negative features? How does Saul compare with Samuel? Why does God so quickly reject Saul's kingship?

Why do the people want Samuel to set a king over them? What are the positive and negative characteristics of a king? Based on this narrative, what is the primary role of a king? Why might Samuel be reluctant to appoint a king?

Other questions for discussion are raised in the lecture.

Diana Vikander Edelman. King Saul in the Historiography of Judah. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series 121. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1991.

Frank S. Frick. The Formation of the State in Ancient Israel. Social World of Biblical Antiquity Series 4. Sheffield: Almond, 1985.

Volkmar Fritz and Philip R. Davies, eds. The Origins of the Ancient Israelite States. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series 228. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1996.