This thesis is about the formation process of 2 Samuel 21:1-14 and the theological intentions of the final editor of the text. The researcher introduces the grammatical discrepancies in the text, suggesting that this can be a clue to the text segmenta...
This thesis is about the formation process of 2 Samuel 21:1-14 and the theological intentions of the final editor of the text. The researcher introduces the grammatical discrepancies in the text, suggesting that this can be a clue to the text segmentation. The first block consists of the sentences from the first half of the story (1b, 2a, 4b, 5, 6, 8, 9a) and from the latter half (13b, 14a, 14c), which uses the third person male plural form verb with the subjective noun “the king”[המלך]. It is the ‘story of purging and famine resolution’. The second block is the ‘story of the Rizpah’ that vigils the bodies of the dead children of her, at the center of the narrative (vv. 9b-10). The third block consists of the sentences from the latter half (12-13a, 14d), and also from the first half (3a, 4a, 4c), which uses the third person male singular form verb with the subjective noun “David”[דוד]. It is the ‘story of David, who takes on the bones of Saul and Jonathan’. The text seems to be developed from Treaty of Gibeon and Israel.
Probably the founding tradition of the text would be the first block (1b, 2a, 4b, 5, 6, 8, 9a, 13b, 14a, 14c), including an additional descriptions of Mephibosheth in v.7, An apologetic intention on behalf of David could be found in this part, which is of pro-Davidic perspective. In other words, the report of lasting famine in the first block is the background of the text, and the first author seems to have been accustomed to the treaties in the Hittite. In terms of pro-Benjamin or pro-Saul perspective, the first revision work was made with inclusion of Rizpah's story, the second block (9b, 10). It is probable that the editing was made to portray David in a negative way and to support the royal family of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin. And it seems Rizpah has prophetic attributes which may have association with what could found in the book of Isaiah.
Through the first revision, the unrighteousness of David and also that of Yahweh were revealed. Thus, through the second revision, the final editor constructed a story, together with three pieces of tradition, including the third block (3a, 4a, 4c, 4e, 12-13a, 14d), which came to have a totally different meaning. David is described as a cruel and confusing person, and YHWH as the one asking for retribution for Saul’s sin. The thing is, God does not solve the famine problem with the killing of Saul’s offspring, but, rather, benevolently, listens to Rizpah's prayer to stop the famine.
According to the finally edited texts, God is not the one appreciating revenge and human sacrifice; but rather preferring responding to a widow's prayer. The final meaning of the text in question is neither of revenge, nor the sacrifice, nor the heroic worship as found in the third block. It is Rizpah’s ritual act that becomes the center of the whole story and message. The appearance of a shamanistic God who wants vindictive sacrifice came to be under the control of the final editor. In the end, 2 Samuel 21:1-14 shows God's benevolent character who answers to a widow’s prayer.