Legitimacy, illegitimacy, and the right to rule : windows on Abimelech's rise and demise in Judges 9
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Legitimacy, illegitimacy, and the right to rule : windows on Abimelech's rise and demise in Judges 9
（Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament studies, 546）（T & T Clark library of Biblical studies）
T & T Clark, c2011
- : hardback
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Note
Revision of the author's doctoral dissertation (University of St. Michael's College, 2008)
Bibliography: p. [238]-253
Includes indexes
Description and Table of Contents
Description
This book explores the portrayal of the rise, reign, and demise of Abimelech in Judges 9 and asks about whose interests this portrayal may have served. The negative depiction of Abimelechs kingship in this chapter, coupled with Gideons rejection of kingship in Judges 8:22-23, has led interpreters to view the passage as anti-monarchic. This perspective clashes with the pro-monarchic stance of Judges 17-21. However, while the portrayal of Abimelechs kingship is negative, it may yet have served as a legitimation strategy for the monarchy. In support, this study examines Judges 9 through three methodological lenses: a narrative analysis, a rhetorical analysis and a social scientific analysis. In addition, anthropological data on early and developing states shows that such states attempt to prevent fissioning (the tendency inherent within political systems to break up and form other similar units) by subverting local leaders, groups, and institutions, and so legitimate the centralization of power. When read in this light, Judges 9 supports monarchic interests by seeking to subvert localized rule and alliances in favor of a centralized polity.
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Abbreviations
- Chapter 1 - Looking at Judges 9 Through Multiple Sight Lines
- Chapter 2 - Approaches to Abimelech and Judges 9
- Chapter 3 - Narrative Analysis of Judges 9
- Chapter 4 - Reading the Rhetoric of Judges 9
- Chapter 5 - The Social World(s) of Judges 9
- Chapter 6 - Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index.
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