This volume offers a close reading of the historical books of First and Second Kings, concentrating on not only issues in the history of Israel but also the literary techniques of storytelling used in these books. Marvin A. Sweeney provides a major contribution to the prominent Old Testament Library series with advanced discussions of textual difficulties in the books of Kings as well as compelling narrative interpretations.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
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“YHWH’s statements that the prophet will drink the water of the Wadi Cherith and eat the food brought to him by the ravens highlight the contention that YHWH controls nature to support the prophet. The reference to ravens presupposes their ability to scavenge for food (cf. Prov 30:17), to live in inhospitable environments (cf. Isa 34:11), and to find their way generally (cf.” (Page 212)
“The citation of Elijah’s statement concerning YHWH’s vow signals the major concerns of both the immediate context and the Elijah/Elisha cycle at large—that is, opposition to the influence of Baal, the Canaanite/Phoenician god of rain, storm, and fertility, and the house of Omri, which was allied with the Phoenicians by Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel. The emphasis on YHWH’s withholding of rain indicates the general intent to target Baal, the deity who brought rain to the land in order to ensure its fertility and productivity.” (Pages 208–209)
“This episode serves the larger purpose of demonstrating YHWH’s power over against Baal even in a Phoenician city” (Page 212)
“redactionally incorporated into the exilic edition of the DtrH” (Page 4)
“does not attain old age, virtually bankrupts his kingdom” (Page 80)