DOCSLIB.ORG

A Characterization of Samuelin Terms of the Psychological Model of Erikson

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Characterization of Samuelin Terms of the Psychological Model of Erikson 10 A CHARACTERIZATION OF SAMUEL IN TERMS OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MODEL OF ERIKSON A thesis submitted to the UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS by GUENEVERE BURKE BA (Hons) This work has not been previously submitted in whole, or in part, for theUniversity award of any degree. ofIt is myCape own work. TownEach significant contribution to, and quotation in this dissertation from the work, or works, of other people has been attributed and has been cited and referenced. Department of Hebrew & Jewish Studies University of Cape Town Rondebosch South Africa January 2004 The copyright of this thesis vests in the author. No quotation from it or information derived from it is to be published without full acknowledgement of the source. The thesis is to be used for private study or non- commercial research purposes only. Published by the University of Cape Town (UCT) in terms of the non-exclusive license granted to UCT by the author. University of Cape Town 11 DEDICATION I dedicate this thesis in honour of my supervisor, PROFESSOR YEHOSHUA GITAY, who retired from the University of Cape Town at the end of 2003. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to: My supervisor, Professor Yehoshua Gitay, for all his dedicated support and unparalleled patience. Professor Susan Kidson for her indefatigable belief in me. Jeanine Beukes for her encouragement and endurance against all the odds. The Kaplan Centre at the University of Cape Town for financial support. 1ll ABSTRACT The story of Samuel forms an integral part of the Hebrew saga, marking the transition from the period of Judges to the Israelite monarchy. Book I of Samuel is unusual in that it portrays the birth, death and major episodes of the prophet's life. In fact, Samuel, along with Moses and Jeremiah, is one of the few characters whose full life history is documented in the Biblical text: we not only have the significant events which lead up to his birth, but he makes an appearance again after his death. Given this detail, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether a re-reading of the character of Samuel through a psychological model can throw fresh insights on how the Israelites effected the transition from a theocracy to a monarchy. The choice of Erikson is motivated by two considerations. In the first, Erikson extended the boundaries of Freudian psychoanalysis by describing both normal as well as abnormal development. His ego-psychology, with its eight-stage developmental plan, its theses and antitheses, is particularly suitable in the case of Samuel, whose life-cycle for the most part can be viewed as problematic, a series of crises. In the second, though he wrote prolifically on numerous leading historical figures and literary characters, Erikson himself never analysed a Biblical figure. This work is, however, not confined to a psychological typification of the character of Samuel. It is intended to be an interdisciplinary study: it deals with the text as an integrated literary unit and relies on the insights of classical Biblical scholarship to support many of its conclusions. IV TABLE OF CONTENTS DEDICATION & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .............. ............................................... ii ABSTRACT ........................................................... .............. .......... ............................... iii INTRODUCTION .............................. ... ........................... .... ....................................... 1 Chapter 1: ERIK H ERIKSON AND EGO-PSYCHOLOGY 1.1 Introduction . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 1.2 Erikson and Ego-Psychology ......... ... .... ........................ .................................. 6 1.3 The Life Cycle and the Epigenetic Principle ............................................... 7 1.4 Erikson's Eight Stages of Development 1.4.1 Infancy: Basic Trust versus Mistrust: Hope ................................. 9 1.4.2 Early Childhood: Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt: Will-power . ............... ........... ........... ....... ....... ... ... ... .... .. ...... 10 1.4.3 The Play Age: Initiative versus Guilt: Purpose ... ... .. ... ... ........... .. ............. 12 1.4.4 The School Age: Industry versus Inferiority: Competence ...................... 14 1.4.5 Adolescence: Identity versus Role Confusion: Reliability .................... ... 15 1.4.6 Early Adulthood: Intimacy versus Isolation: Love .. ................................. 17 1.4.7 Adult: Generativity versus Self-Obsession and Stagnation: Care .. .......... 17 1.4.8 Maturity: Ego Integrity versus Despair: Wisdom ..................................... 18 1.5 The Integral Operation of the Eight Stages ......................................................... 19 1.6 Erikson's Concept of Greatness ........................... ... .. ........... .. ... .. ...... ... ............... 21 Chapter 2: THE SOCIAL AND FAMILY ORDER 2.1 Introduction . .... ... ..... ........ ...... ........ ....... .. .... .. .... .. .. ....... ... ... .... ... .... ..... ........ 25 2.2 Contextual Background . ........ ...... ..... .. ....... ... ... ...... .. ... ....... .. ... .. ... .. ... ........ .... 25 2.3 Hannah the Mother................................................... ...... ...................................... 28 2.4 Elkanah the Father ............................................................................................... 37 2.5 Shiloh and Eli the Priest ............................................ .. ... .......... ... ............. ........... 40 Chapter 3: THE "MAN CHILD" SAMUEL 3.1 Introduction ........ ............................ ............ ......................................................... 45 3.2 Annunciation .............................. ......................................................................... 45 3.3 Samuel's Infancy ................................... ...... ..................... .. ......... ..... .. ................. 47 3.4 Separation in Shiloh ... ... ... ........ ... .. ...................................................................... 53 3.5 The Servant of the Temple ............................. ...................... ........ ... ........ .. ....... ... 57 3.6 The Faithful Priest .............. ...................... ..... .. ........... ... ... .. .. ...... .. ....................... 64 3.7 Ramah .............................................................. ..................... ............................... 73 3.8 The Prophet ... ..... ... .. ... ....... .. ........... .... ... ... ........................................................... 78 3.9 Samuel as Military Leader ... ............. ............................................ ...................... 84 3.10 The Question of Samuel's Role as Priest & Judge ................................ ... .......... 85 v Chapter 4: THE MAKER OF KINGS 4.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 90 4.2 Insurrection ................................ ... ........................ .............................................. 90 4.3 An Ill-fated Alliance .............................. .. .... .......... ........ ... .................................. 99 4.4 A Regal Wrangle ......... .. ................. ..... ... ........ .... ...... ........................................... 105 4.5 The Offensive Against the Philistines ...... .. ........... .. ............................................ 115 4.6 The Offensive Against Amalek ................................ ........................................... 118 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................ 124 Glossary of Psychological Terms .. ................................................. ............................... 129 Bibliography ... ................... ... ....... ......... .. ..... ... ... ..... ... .. ... ......... .. ... .. ....... .. .. .......... .......... 131 INTRODUCTION The making of legend is as much part of the scholarly rewriting of history as it is part ofthe original facts used in the work ofscholars EH Erikson, Young Man Luther, 1958:34 In this study I propose to apply the psychological theory of Erik H Erikson to the character of Samuel as he is depicted in the Hebrew Scriptures. My motivation arose out of two considerations. In the first place, reading through the many psycho biographies written by Erikson and particularly those on religious heroes such as Luther, Kierkegaard and Gandhi, I was struck by the fact that Erikson had never analysed a Biblical figure. I became thoroughly intrigued to see if his ego-psychology could be applied to any of the heroes of the Hebrew Scripture. In discussing the matter with my supervisor, I arrived at the second, the choice of Samuel. Samuel - along with Moses and Jeremiah - is one of the few characters whose full life history is documented in the Biblical text - in fact, we not only have the significant events which lead up to his birth, but he makes an appearance again after his death! The idea of psychology as a method of critical interpretation of the Biblical narrative is not new. A glance at the bibliography ofKille's Psychological Biblical Criticism - eighteen pages - is enough to prove the point (2001: 143-161 ). This work is, however, not confined to a psychological analysis alone. It is intended to be an interdisciplinary study and therefore relies on the insights of classical Biblical scholarship to support many of its
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Jephthah and the Grace of God (The Rp Esident's Desk) Stephen Bauer Southern Adventist University
    Perspective Digest Volume 16 Article 6 Issue 2 Spring 2011 Jephthah and the Grace of God (The rP esident's Desk) Stephen Bauer Southern Adventist University Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/pd Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, and the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Bauer, Stephen (2011) "Jephthah and the Grace of God (The rP esident's Desk)," Perspective Digest: Vol. 16 : Iss. 2 , Article 6. Available at: http://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/pd/vol16/iss2/6 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Adventist Theological Society at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Perspective Digest by an authorized editor of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Bauer: Jephthah and the Grace of God (The President's Desk) Jephthah and the Grace of God By Stephen Bauer The appearance of Jephthah in Hebrews 11 presents an interesting conundrum for the Bible student. Why did the author of Hebrews (whom I accept as Paul) highlight a man as a heroic example of faith to be emulated when he seems to have offered his daughter as a human sacrifice? In short, what did the author see in Jephthah’s story that merited his inclusion in the all-star list of faith heroes found in Hebrews 11? For those less familiar with Jephthah, his story is found in Judges 10–11. In short, Israel had been unfaithful yet again and, thus, had fallen under the abusive dominion of the Philistines and Ammonites for 18 arduous years (10:6-9).
    [Show full text]
  • The Book of Judges – “Downward Spiral”
    The pattern devolves until there is absolute darkness and despair THE BOOK OF JUDGES – “DOWNWARD SPIRAL” Judges 8 What is the basic message of Judges? 24 And Gideon said to them, “Let me make a request of you: every one of 27 • the repeated failures of Israel to love God you give me the earrings from his spoil.” … And Gideon made an and the inadequacy of all the judges to truly rescue Israel ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family. The Book of Judges is a series of redemption cycles: 30 Now Gideon had seventy sons, his own offspring, for he had many (1) the people rebel against God wives. 31 And his concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, (2) God allows the people to suffer from their sins and he called his name Abimelech. 32 And Gideon the son of Joash died in (3) the people cry out to God for deliverance a good old age and was buried in the tomb of Joash his father, at Ophrah (4) God sends a judge – a deliverer of the Abiezrites. (5) there is a period of rest and peace Judges 13:1-2 1 And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the You see this pattern in the first judge – Othniel | Judges 3:7-12 LORD, so the LORD gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty 2 Stage 1 – Israel rebels against God years.
    [Show full text]
  • Deborah Obeys
    Lesson50:LKT 4/14/10 9:49 AM Page 430 Listen to Learn Lesson 50 Judges 4:1-16; 5:4,20-21 Collect Bible, Bible Story 20 pictures from God’s Story for Me Poster Pack #2, Preschool Music #2 DVD or CD God’s Word and player. Deborah “Hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28 Greet Each Other Listen carefully to my clapping. Begin by God’s Word and Me clapping a rhythmObeys of four beats. Children echo I can obey God’s Word. the rhythm. Continue for a few moments, chang- ing the rhythm and/or increasing the number of beats each round. YouGod are good listeners! Tell the Story Open your Bible Judgesto Judges 4. Tell 4:1-16 the story using the pictured motions (keywords in bold) or show Bible Story 20 pictures. What happens in a very big rainstorm? Listen to hear what happened to God’s people during a very big rainstorm. Deborah was a woman who loved God and listened to Him. God told Deborah mes- sages to give to His people. God loved His people, but they were not listening to Him. They were not obeying Him. They were not praying. Because they disobeyed God, the people had big trouble! An army with many strong soldiers and 900 chariots wanted to fight them! (A chariot is a cart pulled by a horse.) The leader of the army was named Sisera. Finally, the people of Israel remembered to pray to God. God gave Deborah a mes- sage for a man named Barak.
    [Show full text]
  • When God Says Go and What More Shall I Say? I Do Not Have Time to Tell About Gideon, Barak…
    When God Says Go And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak… Hebrews 11:32 The next two heroes that we come to in Hebrews 11 may be less familiar to you and me. They aren’t really stories that you’ll find in the children’s picture Bibles on your kids’ shelves, but the writer of Hebrews commends them for their faith. Gideon’s and Barak’s stories both start the same way – with the Israelites again doing evil in the eyes of the Lord (Judges 4:1, 6:1). It’s a fairly common occurrence in the Old Testament, actually. The Lord gives the Israelites chance after chance after chance to follow His law, but they keep messing it up – by worshipping other gods and disobeying direct commandments from God. During Barak’s time in the spotlight, Deborah, a prophetess, is leading Israel. The Lord had handed the Israelites over to the Canaanites because of their wickedness, and after twenty years of oppression, they cried out to the Lord for help. Read Judges 4:6-4:10 If the Israelites had learned anything over the years, it should have been this: when God says that He will do something, He will do it. God said He would bring the people out of slavery in Egypt, and He did, by parting the Red Sea. He said He would give the Israelites the Promised Land, and He bulldozed the way for them, even tearing down the walls of Jericho and giving them victory over all of those in their way.
    [Show full text]
  • A Theological Reading of the Gideon-Abimelech Narrative
    YAHWEH vERsus BAALISM A THEOLOGICAL READING OF THE GIDEON-ABIMELECH NARRATIVE WOLFGANG BLUEDORN A thesis submitted to Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities April 1999 ABSTRACT This study attemptsto describethe contribution of the Abimelech narrative for the theologyof Judges.It is claimedthat the Gideonnarrative and the Abimelechnarrative need to be viewed as one narrative that focuseson the demonstrationof YHWH'S superiority over Baalism, and that the deliverance from the Midianites in the Gideon narrative, Abimelech's kingship, and the theme of retribution in the Abimelech narrative serve as the tangible matter by which the abstracttheological theme becomesnarratable. The introduction to the Gideon narrative, which focuses on Israel's idolatry in a previously unparalleled way in Judges,anticipates a theological narrative to demonstrate that YHWH is god. YHwH's prophet defines the general theological background and theme for the narrative by accusing Israel of having abandonedYHwH despite his deeds in their history and having worshipped foreign gods instead. YHWH calls Gideon to demolish the idolatrous objects of Baalism in response, so that Baalism becomes an example of any idolatrous cult. Joash as the representativeof Baalism specifies the defined theme by proposing that whichever god demonstrateshis divine power shall be recognised as god. The following episodesof the battle against the Midianites contrast Gideon's inadequateresources with his selfish attempt to be honoured for the victory, assignthe victory to YHWH,who remains in control and who thus demonstrateshis divine power, and show that Baal is not presentin the narrative.
    [Show full text]
  • Four Lessons from Four Men – Mentioned in One Verse Hebrews 11:32 - Barak, Gideon, Samson and Jephthah
    Four Lessons from Four Men – mentioned in one verse Hebrews 11:32 - Barak, Gideon, Samson and Jephthah God can use flawed people to do great things Judg 6:14-15 - Gideon thought he was unqualified to lead God’s people since his family was the _______________________ in Manasseh, and he was the _______________________ in his family. Judg 11:1-3 - Jephthah was the son of two _______________________. He was driven out of town by his own half-brothers. Judg 14:1-3 - Samson fell in love with _______________________ women. (see Deut 7:1-5) God is patient while our faith grows Judg 4:8 - After Debra told Barak that God would deliver the Canaanites into his hand, he set a _____________________ on going into battle. Make no mistake about it… this was bad! God determined that Barak wouldn’t receive glory for the victory, but he still used him to defeat the Canaanites and _____________________ His people from severe oppression. Judg 6:17-18; Judg 6:36-40; Judg 7:9-16 - Gideon _____________________ for three proofs that he was really the one God was going to use to deliver His people. God was patient enough to _____________________ Gideon a fourth sign, and he needed it. God Requires Life Giving Faith Judg 4:14-16 - Even though Barak would only go to battle if Deborah went with him, he still had enough faith to go to battle and _____________________ destroy Sisera’s army. Judg 7:15-18 - Gideon had enough faith to refer to a _____________________ victory in _____________________ tense.
    [Show full text]
  • 7.17.16-Sermon-Notes
    UnStable Unqualified: Part 3 7.10.16 – New Life Church Pastor Nick Benson Hebrews 11:32-34(ESV) How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. I am ______________________? Exodus 20:7(ESV) You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. In Him I am ______________________. I. 5 pillars of Stability. A. Emotions. B. Committment. C. Ambition. D. Relationships. E. Belief. Judges 16:26 (NIV) Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them. Judges 16:29 (NIV) Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other… UnStable Unqualified: Part 3 7.10.16 – New Life Church Pastor Nick Benson Hebrews 11:32-34(ESV) How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.
    [Show full text]
  • Rest in the Lord in the Land
    Rest in the Lord in the Land We should never underestimate God, because He is GOD! He is LORD of all, and only in Him will we ever find true rest and peace. Man may vacillate, man may prevaricate, but: “I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6). Nations may come, nations may go, but: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12). Please turn to Psalm 37. (I’ll quote this verse from the KJV and all subsequent reFerences from the English Standard Version, or ESV.) In times oF trouble we can rest in the LORD and know that He will be our reFuge as we wait patiently For Him. Psalm 37:7 (KJV): Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyselF because of him who prospereth in his way, because oF the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. After the death oF Joshua and beFore the ministry of Samuel, Israel entered a period oF troubled times where they Forsook the LORD their God and “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). It was during this turbulent period in Israel’s history that God sent forth a series oF judges to set things right and turn people From their evil ways to rest in the LORD, each time restoring rest in the land. The Book oF Judges is the record oF the judges’ repeated interventions on behalF oF God’s people. The judges in the Book oF Judges were not like the ones we know in (shophet תֶפ֗שּׁ )”our modern society.
    [Show full text]
  • Deborah and Barak TEACHER BIBLE STUDY the Time of the Judges Continued After the Death of Ehud
    1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 9, Session 2: Deborah and Barak TEACHER BIBLE STUDY The time of the judges continued after the death of Ehud. The Israelites fell into a continuous cycle of sin, bondage, deliverance, and peace. The people of Israel were oppressed by the king of Canaan. At this time, Deborah was the judge of Israel. Deborah sent for Barak and encouraged him to take up an army and fight the army of Canaan and its leader, Sisera. Deborah reminded Barak that God would hand Sisera and his troops over to him. (Judges 4:6-7) Barak agreed to go under one condition: that Deborah would go with him. Deborah went, but she informed Barak that he would get no glory for the battle; God was going to use a woman to defeat Sisera. When Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10,000 men, “The LORD threw Sisera and all his army into confusion with the sword before Barak” (Judges 4:15). Everyone in the army died, but Sisera escaped on foot. Sisera fled to the tent of Jael, who invited him inside and gave him a drink. While Sisera slept, Jael drove a tent peg through his temple and he died. Judges 5 records a victory song Deborah and Barak sang on that day, praising God for defeating the Canaanites. The land had rest for 40 years. The Israelites’ sin had resulted in 20 years of defeat. God fought for the Israelites and used Deborah, Barak, and Jael to accomplish the Israelites’ victory over Canaan.
    [Show full text]
  • The 12 Judges of Israel STUDIES Studying the History and Culture of the Time
    PAGE 1 1 SAMUEL Get Wisdom BIBLE The 12 Judges of Israel STUDIES Studying the history and culture of the time Judge Description Reference 1. OTHNIEL (JUDAH) The nephew and son-in-law of Caleb, and son of Kenaz, Joshua 15:13-17 Son of Kenaz, a Gentile convert Gentile Kenizzite converts who joined the tribe of Judges 1:9-21; 3:1-11 of the Exodus generation and Judah. He became the first warrior-judge of Israel and 1 Chronicles 4:13 younger brother of Caleb. delivered Israel from the oppression of the Edomites. 2. EHUD (BENJAMIN) Ehud was a left-handed Benjaminite. He killed Eglon Judges 3:12-30 Son of Gera king of Moab and ended Moabite domination of Israel. 3. SHAMGAR Unlike the descriptions of other biblical judges, Judges 3:31; 5:6 (TRIBE UNKNOWN) the first reference to Shamgar has no introduction, His name is not Hebrew. conclusion, or reference to the length of reign. He is said, Son of Anath however, to have killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad. A contemporary of the judge Deborah (Judges 5:6). 4. DEBORAH (EPHRAIM)† A prophet, counselor, warrior, and wife. The only Judges 4:1–5:31 Barak (Naphtali) female judge mentioned in the Bible, Deborah led a 1 Samuel 12:11 successful counterattack against the forces of Jabin Hebrews 11:32 king of Canaan and his military commander Sisera (also see Barak, Deborah’s military commander). 5. GIDEON (MANASSEH)† An angel appeared and told him to go out boldly and Judges 6:1–8:32 Son of Joash of Abiezer save his people.
    [Show full text]
  • Jephthah the Vow Man and the Rest Series #4 02-18-2018 Hebrews 11:32 “And What More Shall I Say? I Do Not Have Time to Tell A
    Jephthah The Vow Man And The Rest Series #4 02-18-2018 Hebrews 11:32 “And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah…” (NIV) *Jephthah is commended as a man of faith! Judges 10:6-8 6Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the Lord and no longer served him, 7he became angry with them. He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, 8who that year shattered and crushed them. For eighteen years they oppressed all the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites. (NIV) *The Israelites had rebelled against God and were again subject to oppression. *They were in need of a godly leader. Judges 11:1-7 1Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute. 2Gilead’s wife also bore him sons, and when they were grown up, they drove Jephthah away. “You are not going to get any inheritance in our family,” they said, “because you are the son of another woman.” 3So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where a gang of scoundrels gathered around him and followed him. 4Some time later, when the Ammonites were fighting against Israel, 5the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob.
    [Show full text]
  • BOOK of JUDGES 21 Part Two - Chapters 9-21
    BOOK OF JUDGES 21 Part Two - Chapters 9-21 In this article, we will look at the story of Abimelech Chapter 10 opens with a brief mention of two minor and Samson and the epilogue of the book which judges, Tola and Jair. describes Israel’s slip into almost total moral decay. Verses 6-18 relate Israel’s infidelity to the Lord as CHAPTER 9: Abimelech the people carry on with their worship of foreign gods. Yet God’s heart seems to be conflicted. On the “Who is Abimelech? And why should we of Sheckem one hand, he tells them: “I will save you no more. Go serve him? (v. 25) and cry out to the gods you have chosen; let them save you from your distress” (vv 13-14). On the other Although it is in the middle of the story of the judges, hand, when the people repent, and especially when the story of Abimelech is an oddity in that he is not a they cast the foreign gods from their midst, God is judge. He does not set Israel free from any oppress- grieved over the misery of Israel. sion but, instead, only causes trouble. Chapter 11 introduces us to the next judge Jephthah. Abimelech is one of the seventy sons of Gideon, the In his book, Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, John child of his concubine. He persuades the people of Collins writes: “The story of Jephthah is as gripping Shechem (his mother’s people) that he should be as any story in the Hebrew Bible.
    [Show full text]