Writing and Rewriting the Story of Solomon in Ancient Israel

Analyses Solomon's birth, rise, and temple-building within scriptural, archaeological and historical contexts.

Isaac Kalimi (Author)

9781108471268, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 November 2018

402 pages, 5 b/w illus.
23.4 x 15.7 x 2.2 cm, 0.71 kg

'This detailed study offers comprehensive literary and historical-critical reading of, for the most part, the biblical texts which deal with the reign and person of Solomon … [Kalimi] provides a detailed account of the differences between these sources and the reasons for them and covers extensively the various theoretical positions which have developed over the last century … Excellent study …' A. G. Hunter, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament

Solomon's image as a wise king and the founder of Jerusalem Temple has become a fixture of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic literature. Yet, there are essential differences between the portraits of Solomon that are presented in the Hebrew Bible. In this volume, Isaac Kalimi explores these differences, which reflect divergent historical contexts, theological and didactic concepts, stylistic and literary techniques, and compositional methods among the biblical historians. He highlights the uniqueness of each portrayal of Solomon - his character, birth, early life, ascension, and temple-building - through a close comparison of the early and late biblical historiographies. Whereas the authors of Samuel-Kings stay closely to their sources and offer an apology for Solomon's kingship, including its more questionable aspects, the Chronicler freely rewrites his sources in order to present the life of Solomon as he wished it to be. The volume will serve scholars and students seeking to understand biblical texts within their ancient Near Eastern contexts.

Part I. Introduction, Sources and Historical Background: 1. An introduction
2. Sources – epigraphical, archaeological, and biblical
3. Challenging recent dismissals of the United Monarchy
4. Solomon's Kingdom – historical evaluation and case studies
Part II. Solomon's Birth, Rise, and Temple-Building: Literary and Historiographical Observations: 5. Solomon's birth story and its setting in 2 Samuel 10-12 – redaction history versus compositional unity
6. Love of God and apologia for a king – Solomon as the Lord's beloved king in biblical text and ancient Near Eastern contexts
7. Solomon's birth and names in Second temple period literature
8. Solomon's pre-monarchic life in biblical historiography
9. Solomon's physical appearance and leadership in biblical historiography
10. Solomon's succession to the throne – history and contrasting historiographies
11. The coronation of Solomon, David's testament and its implementation
12. 'Why is the city in an uproar?' – Solomon's coronation story in its biblical context
13. Solomon's temple-building and its divine approval in the early and late biblical historiographies
14. Writing and rewriting the story of Solomon.

Subject Areas: Sacred texts [HRLC], Judaism: sacred texts [HRJS], Judaism [HRJ], Biblical studies & exegesis [HRCG], Bibles [HRCF], Religion: general [HRA]