Characters and Characterization in the Book of Kings - Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies Paperback

Book Synopsis

This book is an examination of characters in the books of Kings; showing how understanding and interpretation of key characters affects readings of the story. The volume begins with more general pieces addressing how the study of characters can shed light on the composition history of Kings and on how characters and characterization can be considered with respect to ethics, particularly with respect to the moral complexity of biblical characters.

Contributors then consider key characters within the Kings narrative in depth, such as Nathan, Bathsheba, Solomon and Jezebel. The contributors use their own specific expertise to analyze these characters and more, drawing on insights from literary theory and considering such approaches as questioning our view of a particular character with based on the character within the text with whom we identify. Contributors also assess whether or not characters as portrayed in the biblical text necessarily match up to their possible counterparts in history.

Review Quotes

"These essays highlight the multi-layered feature of the narratives in Kings. This leads to a greater appreciation of the literary skills of the biblical authors in depicting their characters as complex and interesting." --The Bible Today

"This volume provides a richly nuanced analysis of characters and characterization in the book of Kings and contains a wealth of illuminating insights into some familiar texts." --Journal for the Study of the Old Testament

About the Author

Keith Bodner is Professor of Religious Studies at Crandall University, USA.

Benjamin J.M. Johnson is Tutor in Religious Interpretation at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, UK.