@article{ART001448440},
author={Seokgyu Jung},
title={Dual Functions of the Law of Kingship in Deut 17: 14-20},
journal={Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies},
issn={1229-0521},
year={2009},
volume={15},
number={4},
pages={30-50},
doi={10.24333/jkots.2009.15.4.30}
TY - JOUR
AU - Seokgyu Jung
TI - Dual Functions of the Law of Kingship in Deut 17: 14-20
JO - Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies
PY - 2009
VL - 15
IS - 4
PB - Korean Society of Old Testament Studies
SP - 30
EP - 50
SN - 1229-0521
AB - ______________________________________________________________________________
Dual Functions of the Law of Kingship in Deut 17:14-20
______________________________________________________________________________
Seokgyu Jung, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Theology
Hanyoung Theological University
This paper attempts to expose the dual functions of the law of kingship in Deut 17: 14-20 by a structural analysis on the text itself and in relation to its larger contexts. In the extant form of Deut 17: 14-20, the regulation of the establishment of a king(17: 14-15) justifies the institution of kingship by the people's designation and divine approval. However, the regulations of the duties of a king(17: 16-20) explicitly function to restrict the royal prestige by mentioning a list of prohibitions imposed on the king (17: 16-17), and the torah that should be read and observed by the king(17: 18-20). Thus, the present form of Deut 17: 14-20 unveils both positive and negative perspectives on kingship.
In the larger context of Deut 16: 18 - 18: 22, the law of kingship functions to restrict the monarchic power within both ancient Israel and the Ancient Near East. The regulations in Deut 16: 18 - 18: 22 demonstrate decentralization and distribution of power through limiting the power and prestige of the authorities under the torah: judges/officials(16: 18 - 17: 13), the king(17: 14-20), priests/Levites(18: 1-8), and the prophet (18: 9-22). In the larger context of Deut 16: 18 - 18: 22, thus, the law of kingship regards the king as an authority controlled under the torah actualized as the will of God.
In the larger context of Deut 16: 18 - 17: 20, however, the law of kingship functions to legitimate royal administrative authority. Deut 16: 18 - 17: 20 can be regarded as a legitimate literary unit. The successive appearances of the conjunctive particle, (17: 2, 8, 14), explicitly unveil how the judicial procedure shifts from the local court (17: 2-7) to the highest centralized authority(17: 14-20) via the higher court(17: 8-13). In relation to its larger context of Deut 16: 18 - 17: 20, the negative tasks of a king(17: 16-17) postulate a new royal task to restore the divided kingdom caused by Solomon's erroneous policies by providing a counter-model against Solomon. Also, the positive tasks of a king (17:18-20) provide the monarchy with a divinely authorized legitimacy to administer the people under the torah. In the context of Deut 16: 18 - 17: 20, therefore, the law of kingship (17: 14-20) can be understood within a positive perspective on kingship.
KW - Deut 16:18-18:22
Deut 17:14-20
Law of Kingship
Leaders in Ancient Israel
Structural Analysis
DO - 10.24333/jkots.2009.15.4.30
ER -
Seokgyu Jung. (2009). Dual Functions of the Law of Kingship in Deut 17: 14-20. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, 15(4), 30-50.
Seokgyu Jung. 2009, "Dual Functions of the Law of Kingship in Deut 17: 14-20", Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, vol.15, no.4 pp.30-50. Available from: doi:10.24333/jkots.2009.15.4.30
Seokgyu Jung "Dual Functions of the Law of Kingship in Deut 17: 14-20" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 15.4 pp.30-50 (2009) : 30.
Seokgyu Jung. Dual Functions of the Law of Kingship in Deut 17: 14-20. 2009; 15(4), 30-50. Available from: doi:10.24333/jkots.2009.15.4.30
Seokgyu Jung. "Dual Functions of the Law of Kingship in Deut 17: 14-20" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 15, no.4 (2009) : 30-50.doi: 10.24333/jkots.2009.15.4.30
Seokgyu Jung. Dual Functions of the Law of Kingship in Deut 17: 14-20. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, 15(4), 30-50. doi: 10.24333/jkots.2009.15.4.30
Seokgyu Jung. Dual Functions of the Law of Kingship in Deut 17: 14-20. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies. 2009; 15(4) 30-50. doi: 10.24333/jkots.2009.15.4.30
Seokgyu Jung. Dual Functions of the Law of Kingship in Deut 17: 14-20. 2009; 15(4), 30-50. Available from: doi:10.24333/jkots.2009.15.4.30
Seokgyu Jung. "Dual Functions of the Law of Kingship in Deut 17: 14-20" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 15, no.4 (2009) : 30-50.doi: 10.24333/jkots.2009.15.4.30
