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Home , 1 Chronicles 20, 2 Chronicles 21, Battle of Aphek, Shemaiah (prophet)

Historical Books – Larry Perkins, Ph.D. January 2016 2 Historical Books General Comments

 Joshua to Nehemiah  Israel’s historical perspective is a function of its religious beliefs.  Blend the ANE literary development of royal annals with the covenant framework expressed in Deuteronomy.  What results is a unique literary development – a kind of history writing that is unprecedented in the ANE.  This literary complex in the Jewish = “the Former ”  Prophetic in their theological perspective  Introduce the office and role of within Israelite politics and culture  Spokespersons for Yahweh – a kind of independent critical voice, presenting Yahweh’s perspective on things  They span the same period as “the Latter Prophets”  Development of the institution of kingship in Israel  Cover 8 centuries of Israelite history – c. 1200 – 450 BC.  and the Temple are key developments 3 Historical Books General Comments

 They include diverse literary materials  Display stylistic differences – probably written by different people, but from the same theological perspective. Anonymous, but dependent on previous written sources.  A Deuteronomic perspective (Deut. 28-32)  God’s covenant loyalty and purpose interact with Israel’s variegated spiritual dynamics, particularly its struggle with Canaanite religious practice.  They detail the essential fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to – numerous descendants and possession of the land. (Gen. 12)  A new covenant emerges in 2 7 – Davidic covenant (Messianic ideas receive further development)  Theology of repentance, forgiveness and restoration – 1 Kings 8 – ’s prayer of dedication for the new temple.  The concept of a righteous remnant begins to gain shape. 4 Joshua Orientation

 Joshua is the key character  The focus is on the conquest of the land and its distribution among the twelve tribes.  Yahweh fulfills his promises (Joshua 23)  Some indications that the core was composed at the end of the 2nd millennium.  Three main sections:  Conquest of Joshua 1-12  Division of Conquered Land Joshua 13-21  Initial Settlement Joshua 22-24 5 Joshua

 Transition of leadership from to Joshua is completed.  Yahweh is commanding the forces of Israel in this military action (5:13-15)  Only Caleb and Joshua from the Exodus generation are involved (Num. 13-14)  Concept of “herem” – devoting people, animals and property to God.  Achan’s action (6-7)  Concept of “holy war” (11:18-20)  Apologetic issue (9:24) – cf. 2 Thess. 1:5-10. 6 Joshua

 Strategy of the conquest 7 Joshua

 Crossing the Jordan (3-5)  Campaign against Jericho, Ai and Gibeon  Rachab’s response  Treaty with Gibeon  What do these stories tell us about God’s perspective?  Campaigns to the South and to the North (11:20) – all defeated  List of defeated kings – Joshua 12.  Distribution of the land (12-21)  Continuing settlement issues (22-24)  Two speeches by Joshua  23 – challenges Israel to faithful obedience demonstrated by continued resistance towards Canaanite religion  24 – rehearsal of Israel’s history under Yahweh’s direction. Challenge to “serve the Lord” 8 Joshua

 Key Themes:  Yahweh’s faithfulness, holiness and purpose  Required Israelite response – “serve the Lord”  Yahweh’s promises fulfilled  Key Challenges:  Date of the Exodus and conquest  1 Kings 6:1  Judges 11:26  Merenptah Stele – Israel in Palestine by 1220 BC  Exodus – either c. 1400 BC or c. 1250 BC 9 Judges Orientation

 Religious and political deterioration – Judges 17:6; 21:25  “Judge” – a charismatic, military leader – regional influence, from different tribes, perhaps overlapping “terms.”  Selective focus – , , , Jephthah.  Abimelech’s attempt to become king – parable of the trees (9:7-15)  Cycles of moral and spiritual decline and renewal, but trending worse  Outline:  Partial conquest of Canaan and reasons – 1-3:6  Periods of oppression and deliverance – 3:7 – 16:31  Political and spiritual collapse – 17 – 21  Israel functions as a loose federation of tribal groups. Religious observance seems to be the only point of coherence (Shechem and Shiloh)  Divergent religious practices incorporating idols and “ephods” 10 Judges

 Why is Israel’s future after Joshua? Why does he not discern a successor?  Israel’s lack of technology makes warfare against the difficult.  Some tribes have limited success in completing the conquest and Canaanite centres remain, until the time of , e.g. Jerusalem.  Yahweh’s message through “an angel of the Lord” (2:1-5). It becomes a programmatic statement for the composition.  Explanation for Israel’s failure – 2:6-3:6 – the next generation “knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.” What accounts for this failure?  Failure of covenant loyalty on Israel’s part (2:22) – Yahweh’s tests.  Judges 3:7-16:31 – examples of this political and spiritual cycle.  Israel’s commitment to Canaanite religious practices 6:24-32.  The abortive attempt at kingship – 9-10. 11 Judges

 The terrible stories about in Judges 17-21.  Stories about the tribe of Dan and Benjamin.  Key themes:  Israel’s understanding of the covenant in the light of competing Canaanite religious influence.  Idolatry prevails and it is disastrous.  God’s patience with Israel and willingness to respond to repentance (Ex. 34:6-7)  Yahweh’s provision of leaders to address Israel’s failures. 12 Ruth

 In the Jewish Bible one of the “megilloth” – scrolls/writings placed at the conclusion of the collection. Often associated with the Song of Songs.  Set in the period of the “Judges” (1:1)  The piety of average Israelites is celebrated. They remain faithful even when forced to migrate because of famine.  One of the heroines, Ruth, is a non-Israelite, but she adopts Israelite religion – a rather unusual feature given general Israelite patterns of apostasy in Judges.  The plot gets resolved through the application of an Israelite religious- economic practice that acts to keep property in the control of families, the role of the kinsman-redeemer. Boaz accepts this responsibility.  The genealogy at the conclusion shows how this non-Israelite woman becomes integrated with David’s ancestry (cf. Matthew 1).  Concept of “hesed” – kindness/committed love – demonstrated by Yahweh and then by Ruth. An important covenant concept in the OT. 13 1 & 2 Samuel Orientation

 Narrate the rise and fall of the Israelite monarchy – to – c. 500 years.  Greek OT – 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings are considered four volumes of one work called “Reigns”  Some sources mentioned – Book of Jashar (2 Samuel 1:18), annals of the kings of Israel, annals of the kings of Judah, sources written by prophets (Samuel, , ) used by the writer of 1 7 2 Chronicles.  1 & 2 Samuel produced sometime after the division of the Kingdom c. 930 BC.  Contents:  Samuel’s early years 1 Sam. 1 – 7:14  Samuel and Saul 1 Sam. 7:15 – 15  Saul and David 1 Sam. 16 – 31  Early Years of David’s Reign 2 Sam. 1 – 8  David and his Court 2 Sam. 9 – 20  David’s reign: Problems/Prospects 2 Sam. 21 – 24 14 1 & 2 Samuel Orientation

 Plausible chronology  Samuel as judge 1075-1035 BC  Battle of c. 1050 BC  Saul as king 1045-1010 BC  David’s reign 1010-970 BC  Incorporates several narratives of the same episode  Samuel is a key figure of this narrative – prophet, priest and judge – like Moses. A dedicated Nazirite.  The faith of Samuel’s mother, (1 Sam. 2:2)  Samuel guides Israel in the establishment of the monarchy (1 Sam. 8). He writes a scroll outlining instructions regarding kingship (1 Sam. 10:25).  Tension between Yahweh’s role as king and Israel’s request for a king  Resolved in 2 Samuel 7 15 1 & 2 Samuel

 Saul’s initial action as king reads like the action of judge (1 Sam. 11).  Samuel’s address in 1 Sam. 12:13-15 reminds Israel regarding their covenant responsibilities (similar to Deut. 29 and Josh. 23-24).  Political and military power is centralized under Saul.  Shift in the theology of leadership (Psalm 2)  Spiritual turning point in Saul’s leadership – 1 Sam. 13 – he does a “foolish thing” because of which Yahweh determines that his family will not become a dynasty in Israel (1 Sam. 13:13-14). Yahweh desires “a man after his own heart” to be king.  This break becomes more severe as Saul disobeys Yahweh’s instructions in the matter of the Amalekites (1 Sam. 15:20-24).  Key statement regarding the theology of sacrifice.  Key statement about the character of Yahweh (1 Sam. 15:35)  Yahweh regrets that he made Saul king (1 Sam. 15:35)  Yahweh moves to appoint David as king. 16 1 & 2 Samuel

 David enters the narrative at 1 Sam. 16  Yahweh’s principle for leadership selection – 1 Sam. 16:7-8 – focus on the heart  God Spirit fills David (1 Sam. 16:13) – pneumatology in the OT.  David in Saul’s court  episode (1 Sam. 16-17)  David as fugitive (1 Sam. 18-27)  Who killed Goliath?  2 Samuel 2:19 and 1 Chronicles 20:5  Death of Samuel – 1 Sam. 25:1  David’s marriages – how do we handle the issue of polygamy in the OT?  Death of Saul in battle – 1 Sam. 28 – Saul seeks guidance from the dead Samuel (1 Sam. 28:16-20) – the sin of divination.  1 Samuel 31 fulfills Samuel’s message to Saul. 17 1 & 2 Samuel

 The focus in 2 Samuel is on the reign of David (c. 1010 – 970 BC) – forty years.  Several themes:  How David secures his claim to the throne  The selection of Jerusalem as the new capital – political and religious implications  God’s covenant with David (7)  David’s sin with and his murder of , her husband  Theological evaluation of David’s reign – his sin in regard to the census  His purchase of Araunah’s threshing floor which becomes the location olomon’s temple. 18 1 & 2 Samuel

 Politically the highpoint in Israel’s monarchy  Commands the full territory promised to Israel by Yahweh  David as an example of a godly leader – a heart for God  David as a flawed leader – sins and their consequences for his family and for Israel - -concept of corporate solidarity.  David’s phenomenal gifting – leading, military strategy, music/poetry.  David becomes the standard against which every other Israelite king is measured.  David’s response to the death Saul and his son Jonathan (2 Samuel 1)  David deals with claims to the throne by Saul’s descendants (2 Samuel 2-3)  The eleven tribes swear loyalty to David (2 Samuel 5) – underlying political tensions between the northern tribes and Judah in terms of loyalty. 19 1 & 2 Samuel

 David’s military exploits – 2 Samuel 8 – 10  He builds a palace in Jerusalem  He makes Jerusalem his political and religious capital – moves the and the tent of meeting to Jerusalem. Long term implications.  Yahweh’s covenant with David – 2 Samuel 7  Yahweh “had given him rest from all his enemies” (7:1; Josh. 24:1) – transition to new covenant relationship – Abraham to David? Land promise fulfilled.  David desires to build a temple to Yahweh; Yahweh promises to build a house (= family/dynasty) for David (2 Samuel 7:16).  Unconditional and conditional elements of this covenant  Father-son relationship – implications for theology of kingship/messiah relationship  Described as a covenant in 2 Chronicles 21:7 and Psalm 89:3 20 1 & 2 Samuel

 David’s sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12)  Nathan’s prophetic parable of judgment  Yahweh brings tragedy on David’s family as a result (2 Samuel 12:10)  Why does Yahweh “love” Solomon, who is born to David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:24)? Another non-Jewish woman (?) – married to a Hittite – who becomes part of the Messiah’s ancestry. Psalm 51 expresses David’s repentance.  Political discontent, rebellion and restoration (2 Samuel 13 -20)  Rape of Tamar by Amnon  Absalom murders Amnon, overthrows David, and then is killed by .  2 Samuel 22 – David’s praise to God for his guidance and victory  Last words of David – 2 Samuel 23:1-7 – “the everlasting covenant”  David’s decision to make a census – a sinful act that results in the death of 70,000 Israelites. The prophet Gad reveals Yahweh’s judgment (2 Samuel 24). 21 1 & 2 Kings Orientation

 1 & 2 Samuel cover about 100 years of Israelite history. 1 & 2 Kings narrate events that span 400 years – Solomon to the exile.  Incorporates stories about , and , important prophets. These events are concurrent with the activities of other prophetic voices – , , , , , , , , , , .  Repeated cycles of Israelite failure, interspersed with brief eras of repentance and restoration – constant engagement with Baal worship.  Division of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms is a critical event, which sets the stage for all future developments  Northern kingdom destroyed in 722 BC by Assyria – people deported/no return  Southern kingdom destroyed in 597, 582 BC by Babylonia – people deported/return anticipated. 22 1 & 2 Kings  The author had access to various sources  Discovery of a copy of a law scroll in the Temple in ’s reign  Collections of Solomon’s proverbs made in the reign of  Transmission of David’s Psalms – development of liturgy for Temple rituals  Various annals  The writer evaluates Israelite history through the lens of Deut. 11:26-28; 28.  Religious evaluation predominates; political accomplishments are less significant  Narrative is structured chronologically – after the division he alternates between accounts of northern and southern kings. The information about each leader follows a similar pattern.  Only two kings receive unqualified approval – Hezekiah and Josiah; six receive qualified approval. The rest are condemned for serious and constant violations of the covenant stipulations regarding idolatry.  With reference to the Northern Kingdom I becomes the standard of evil against which the kings are measured (1 Kings 15:33-34; 16:25-26). 23 1 & 2 Kings

 Problems of chronology  One firm date – – 853 BC which coincides with the death of .  Accession of can be dated to 841 BC  Capture of by Assyrians can be dated to 722 BC  Reign of (705-681) overlaps with that of Hezekiah (728-687 BC)  Capture of Jerusalem by Babylonians – March 15/16, 597 BC.  Resolve most chronological problems through co-regencies (Thiele) 24 1 & 1 & 2 Kings Outline

 Last Days of David and Accession of Solomon 1 Kings 1 – 2  Reign of Solomon 1 Kings 3 – 11  Construction of the Temple (5 – 7)  Dedication of the Temple (8)  Division of the Kingdom 1 Kings 12 – 14  Wars between Israel and Judah 1 Kings 15 – 16  Ahab and Elijah 1 Kings 16 – 22  The Elisha Cycle 2 Kings 1 – 10  Jehu’s reign to the Destruction of Samaria 2 Kings 11 – 17  Judah and the Assyrian Empire 2 Kings 18 – 21  Reforms of Josiah 2 Kings 22 – 23  The End of the Southern Kingdom 2 Kings 23 – 25  Destruction of the Temple (25) 26 1 & 2 Kings

 David’s death – 1 Kings 1-2  Solomon’s accession – 1 Kings 2  Solomon’s reign – 1 Kings 3 – 11  Request for wisdom  Giftedness re songs and proverbs (1 Kings 4:29-34)  Messianic characteristic  Solomon’s construction projects  Several palaces  The Temple 27 1 & 2 Kings 28 1 & 2 Kings

 Dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8)  Solomon’s prayer – a theology of inclusion  Second theophany – 1 Kings 9  Yahweh’s response to Solomon’s prayer – promises to put his “Name there forever.” Warnings against idolatry which will result in Israel being cut off and temple rejected.  Solomon’s moral and spiritual failures at the conclusion to his reign  His sin is responsible for the division of the kingdom (1 Kings 11:9-13)  He reigns for forty years.  Secession of the Northern Tribes in accord with Ahijah’s prophecy (1 Kings 12:29- 39). Judah remains the only tribe in the Southern Kingdom.  Jeroboam I builds new sanctuaries at and Dan to prevent his subjects from travelling to Jerusalem for religious purposes. Statues of calves are set up. Yahweh condemns this and promises to end his dynasty (1 Kings. 14:9-11). 29 1 & 2 Kings

develops Samaria as the capital of the Northern Kingdom (Moabite Stone) – 1 Kings 16-17.  Elijah comes on the scene (1 Kings 17 – 2 Kings 2).  Illustrates the depths of the religious struggle in Israel which eventually consumes both kingdoms. 875 - 780 BC.  Famous encounters between the prophets and the kings  Mt Carmel (1 Kings 17 – 19)  Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21) – Elijah’s prophecies fulfilled in 2 Kings 9 – 10  Ahab’s repentance – 1 Kings 21:20-24.  Elijah’s death and transition to Elisha (2 Kings 2)  Assyrians destroy Samaria and the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC (2 Kings 17).  The writer provides an editorial on these events (2 Kings 17:27-33) 30 1 & 2 Kings

 Judah’s interactions with Mesopotamian and Egyptian forces – 2 Kings 18 – 25. 722 – 582 BC.  Reign of Hezekiah is one bright spot (2 Kings 18-20). Note his prayer.  Connections with Isaiah and his prophecies – Isaiah 36-39.  God’s decision to provide healing and another 15 years of life and rule.  The attack of Sennacherib on Jerusalem – the Taylor Prism (691 BC).  Josiah’s reign is the other notable reign.  Discovery of the “book of the law” as the temple is being refurbished.  Destroys the “high places” and Canaanite worship  Dies in an untimely conflict with the Egyptian Pharaoh. 31 1 & 2 Kings

 The attacks by Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar ( 2 Kings 24:8-17).  Jerusalem occupied in 597 BC and becomes a vassal region  Zedekiah appointed as client king  Zedekiah rebels, allies himself with Egypt, but is destroyed by Babylonian forces in a subsequent attack (582 BC) when Jerusalem and the Temple are torn down and burned.  Jeremiah has much to do with Zedekiah. 32 1 & 2 Chronicles Orientation

 The title in the Jewish Bible is “the events of days” or “annals”.  The Greek translation entitles it “paralipomena” – “the things left over or omitted.”  Composed sometime between Cyrus’ decree (537 BC) and 400 BC.  Supplements and amends the Samuel-Kings materials according to a predetermined set of themes. For example, it has more information about David’s plans for the temple.  Focuses on the fulfillment of God’s promises to his faithful people.  Omits Saul’s reign, David-Bathsheba incident, Absalom’s rebellion, Adonijah’s attempt to become king, and Solomon’s apostasy. The Northern Kingdom is ignored. Elijah is rarely mentioned.  An attempt to encourage returned exiles that Yahweh has a future for his people.  The post-exilic community needs to understand its origins and place. 33 1 & 2 Chronicles

 A remnant who seek God is the pervading profile for Israel, with emphasis on worship and ritual.  One challenge is the discrepancy in numbers between some Chronicle episodes and the parallel in Samuel-Kings.  Structure:  Genealogies from Onwards 1 Chron. 1 – 9  David’s Reign 1 Chron 10 – 29  Solomon’s Reign 2 Chron 1 – 9  The Kingdom of Judah 2 Chron 10 – 36  and (10-13) Asa and (14-21)  Jehoram, Ahaziah, (21-22)  Joash to Jotham (23-27)  (28)  Remaining Kings (29-36) 34 1 & 2 Chronicles

 Genealogies (1 Chron. 1-9) trace Israel’s history to .  The narrative proper begins with the death of Saul (1 Chron. 10).  Saul’s failure paves the way for David’s successor as a savior figure for Israel.  Considerable attention is given to David’s organization of the worship at the tent of meeting in conjunction with its relocation to Jerusalem, but anticipating a new temple (1 Chron. 13-16).  Covenant with David narrated in 1 Chron. 17.  Preparations for building the new temple preoccupy 1 Chron. 21-29. He provides plans and gives them to Solomon for the new temple, plans given by the Spirit of God (1 Chron. 28:11-19). Note the characterization of the Ark of the Covenant in 1 Chron. 28:18.  1 Chronicles concludes with the accession of Solomon (1 Chron. 29). 35 1 & 2 Chronicles

 The reign of Solomon is narrated in 2 Chron. 1-9. The focus is entirely on building the temple.  His prayer of dedication and Yahweh’s response come in 2 Chron. 6 – 7. The theology of the Chronicler is most clearly expressed in these speeches.  2 Chron. 7:14 occurs in this context and needs to be understood in this context.  The rebellion that divides the kingdom is recounted in 2 Chron. 10-11. this is God’s doing according to the prophet Shemaiah (2 Chron. 11:4).  Levites and priests flock to Jerusalem.  Rehoboam learns the lesson of “humbling oneself before the Lord and this saves Jerusalem from destruction at the hand of , Pharaoh of Egypt (2 Chron. 12).  The reforms of Asa, Jehoshaphat and fill 2 Chron. 15, 17, 26. 36 1 & 2 Chronicles

 We read about Hezekiah and his religious reforms in 2 Chron. 29-31.  Note how these kings revive Passover celebrations.  Hezekiah reorganizes the priests and Levites (2 Chron. 31).  His victory over Sennacherib is orchestrated by the angel of Yahweh (2 Chron. 32).  It is Manasseh’s sin that precipitates Jerusalem’s destruction ( 2 Chron. 33), but he also repents.  This is followed by Josiah’s reforms and the discovery of the law scroll (2 Chron. 34-35).  The narrative concludes with a brief account of Zedekiah, which mentions Jeremiah (2 Chron. 36:12). Jerusalem is destroyed.  The final words record the edict of mandating the return of the exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.  This writer focuses his attention upon David and his dynasty, as well as the temple and its appropriately ordered worship, particularly as this relates to the priests and Levites, musical rituals, sacrifices and Passover. This focus probably reflects the political and religious reality of the period 450-400 BC when the small territory of Judea has no political power. Its only influence arises because of its religious significance. Perhaps we return to the reality of a theocracy. Israel functions as a “kingdom of priests.”