Title: Kings & prophets : monarchic power, inspired leadership, & sacred text in biblical narrative /
Authors: Grottanelli, C.
Publisher: Oxford University Press,
Year: 1999
Subjects: Bible. Criticism, interpretation, etc.; Kings and rulers Biblical teaching.; Religion and state Israel History.; Religion and state Middle East History.; Religion and state Mediterranean Region History.; Prophets; Israel Kings and rulers Religious aspects.; Middle East Kings and rulers Religious aspects.; Mediterranean Region Kings and rulers Religious aspects.
Abstract: This collection of essays examines the respective religious and social functions of kings and prophets as they are presented in the biblical narratives. Biblical kingship is easily shown to be a specific instance of an ancient and widespread institution - sacred monarchy - that was the pivot of most state organizations throughout antiquity; prophetic authority is described as a typical institution of ancient Hebrew society. The difference between monarchy and prophecy is radical, because the former implies a hereditary power and is upheld by its subjects who feed their kings with taxes, while the latter derives its authority from allegedly direct divine inspiration, and though it is also economically dependent it is not explicitly presented as being based upon systematic exploitation.
Contents: The king's grace and the helpless woman: Ruth, Charila, Sita -- Religious ideals and the distribution of cereal grains in the Hebrew Bible -- The enemy king is a monster: a biblical equation -- The story of Deborah and Barak: a comparative approach -- Charismatic possession and monarchic rationalization: the folly of Saul -- Specialists of the supernatural in the Hebrew Bible -- Healers and saviors of the Eastern Mediterranean in preclassical times -- Biblical narrative and the ancient novel: common motifs and themes -- Prophecy and writing in the Ancient Near East -- Making room for the written law.