@article{ART001724597},
author={Hyo Myong Lim},
title={God, Samuel's God},
journal={Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies},
issn={1229-0521},
year={2012},
volume={18},
number={4},
pages={38-71},
doi={10.24333/jkots.2012.18.4.38}
TY - JOUR
AU - Hyo Myong Lim
TI - God, Samuel's God
JO - Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies
PY - 2012
VL - 18
IS - 4
PB - Korean Society of Old Testament Studies
SP - 38
EP - 71
SN - 1229-0521
AB - This article reconstructs the portrait of God in the story of Saul. There are two extreme opinions about the reason for Saul's fall. One blames Saul, the other God. Recently new literary critics found more faults with God than with Saul based on their observation that God was displeased with the people's demand for a king. They argued that Saul was predestined for failure due to God's ill-will. The portrait of God drawn by them is characterized by ambiguity, malice, and hostility.
Utilizing new literary critical method, especially characterization, textual gap and ambiguity this study closely examines the ways in which Samuel's words and deeds affect the unfolding of the story and the portrait of God. His portrayal of God is divergent from that of the narrator and God. The author concludes that the portrait of God drawn by the new literary critics is based on the projection of the prophet Samuel which is tainted by his own agenda. The prophet enjoys considerable freedom in carrying out God's command, partly because of the laconic nature of God's commands. He is free even to do nothing about God's command. Often times he has to interpret the commands into actions, filling details in. In the process his agenda dilutes and in some cases eclipses the intention of God, resulting in the distortion of the portrait of God.
Rather than being malicious and hostile, the author finds a God, who initially shows anti-monarchic sentiment, preempts the people's demand for a king and takes initiative in placing a king over Israel. God is open to human demands and embraces human frailty.
This study challenges the long-held assumption that Samuel faithfully represents God, and convincingly establishes the differences between them. This article is expected to catalyze a deeper study of the characters in biblical stories.
KW - Samuel;Saul;Kingship;New literary criticism;Character
DO - 10.24333/jkots.2012.18.4.38
ER -
Hyo Myong Lim. (2012). God, Samuel's God. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, 18(4), 38-71.
Hyo Myong Lim. 2012, "God, Samuel's God", Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, vol.18, no.4 pp.38-71. Available from: doi:10.24333/jkots.2012.18.4.38
Hyo Myong Lim "God, Samuel's God" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 18.4 pp.38-71 (2012) : 38.
Hyo Myong Lim. God, Samuel's God. 2012; 18(4), 38-71. Available from: doi:10.24333/jkots.2012.18.4.38
Hyo Myong Lim. "God, Samuel's God" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 18, no.4 (2012) : 38-71.doi: 10.24333/jkots.2012.18.4.38
Hyo Myong Lim. God, Samuel's God. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, 18(4), 38-71. doi: 10.24333/jkots.2012.18.4.38
Hyo Myong Lim. God, Samuel's God. Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies. 2012; 18(4) 38-71. doi: 10.24333/jkots.2012.18.4.38
Hyo Myong Lim. God, Samuel's God. 2012; 18(4), 38-71. Available from: doi:10.24333/jkots.2012.18.4.38
Hyo Myong Lim. "God, Samuel's God" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 18, no.4 (2012) : 38-71.doi: 10.24333/jkots.2012.18.4.38
