Power: Kings and Prophets

Abstract

Biblical histories and the books of the prophets continue the theme of the struggle between Jahweh’s Law and the tyrannical powers of the state. Samuel’s account of the rise of the Israelite kingship is unsparing in its analysis of the monarchy, and the prophetic books record many disastrous distortions of royal power. As Stephen L. Harris points out, Mesopotamian histories routinely describe rulers as “descended from heaven” (2000, 168–70). Like Pharaoh, they are God-men, representing power far above criticism. New Historicism points out that supposedly objective modern accounts of power struggles are inevitably skewed in favor of the interests of the dominant forces (winners write histories). Biblical histories and prophetic accounts vary from the norm in being severe in judging the royal ambitions of their leaders. Their candor and willingness to criticize the secular powers set them apart from the court histories of the ancient world. Samuel’s narrative of David’s rise to kingship reflects the biblical ambiguity toward institutional power. It is unflinching in its critique of David’s tactics, guile, and mixed motives, even as it details the formation of the covenant establishing a special relationship with David’s royal line. As we watch, David, the prototypical king and beloved son, is transformed by power into his antithesis, a tyrant.