@article{ART003290036},
author={In-Chol Yang},
title={A Rhetorical Reading of the Samson Narrative (Judges 13–16)},
journal={Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies},
issn={1229-0521},
year={2025},
volume={31},
number={4},
pages={487-517},
doi={10.24333/jkots.2025.31.4.487}
TY - JOUR
AU - In-Chol Yang
TI - A Rhetorical Reading of the Samson Narrative (Judges 13–16)
JO - Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies
PY - 2025
VL - 31
IS - 4
PB - Korean Society of Old Testament Studies
SP - 487
EP - 517
SN - 1229-0521
AB - This study offers a rhetorical reading of the Samson narrative in Judges 13–16. While traditional form criticism has primarily focused on historical contexts and oral traditions, this research highlights the literary features and persuasive structures within the text. Building on the legacy of James Muilenburg, Phyllis Trible, and Jack Lundbom, and particularly employing George Kennedy’s classical rhetorical framework, the analysis applies the three modes of persuasion (Ethos, Pathos, Logos), the three rhetorical genres (Judicial, Deliberative, Epideictic), and the five stages of ancient rhetoric (Invention, Arrangement, Style, Memory, Delivery). The findings demonstrate that the Samson narrative emphasizes the theological theme of Nazarite identity and the consequences of disobedience, persuading its audience of the dangers of intermarriage with foreigners and the importance of covenantal faithfulness. Moreover, the narrative integrates judicial, deliberative, and epideictic rhetorical elements, employing Samson’s life and death as a rhetorical device to reinforce Israel’s communal identity and theological reflection. This rhetorical reading thus re-examines the Samson story, showing how the text conveys its theological and communal message through structured persuasion.
KW - Samson Narrative;Rhetorical Reading;George Kennedy;Classical Rhetoric;Judges 13-16
DO - 10.24333/jkots.2025.31.4.487
ER -
In-Chol Yang. (2025). A Rhetorical Reading of the Samson Narrative (Judges 13–16). Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, 31(4), 487-517.
In-Chol Yang. 2025, "A Rhetorical Reading of the Samson Narrative (Judges 13–16)", Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, vol.31, no.4 pp.487-517. Available from: doi:10.24333/jkots.2025.31.4.487
In-Chol Yang "A Rhetorical Reading of the Samson Narrative (Judges 13–16)" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 31.4 pp.487-517 (2025) : 487.
In-Chol Yang. A Rhetorical Reading of the Samson Narrative (Judges 13–16). 2025; 31(4), 487-517. Available from: doi:10.24333/jkots.2025.31.4.487
In-Chol Yang. "A Rhetorical Reading of the Samson Narrative (Judges 13–16)" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 31, no.4 (2025) : 487-517.doi: 10.24333/jkots.2025.31.4.487
In-Chol Yang. A Rhetorical Reading of the Samson Narrative (Judges 13–16). Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies, 31(4), 487-517. doi: 10.24333/jkots.2025.31.4.487
In-Chol Yang. A Rhetorical Reading of the Samson Narrative (Judges 13–16). Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies. 2025; 31(4) 487-517. doi: 10.24333/jkots.2025.31.4.487
In-Chol Yang. A Rhetorical Reading of the Samson Narrative (Judges 13–16). 2025; 31(4), 487-517. Available from: doi:10.24333/jkots.2025.31.4.487
In-Chol Yang. "A Rhetorical Reading of the Samson Narrative (Judges 13–16)" Korean Journal of Old Testament Studies 31, no.4 (2025) : 487-517.doi: 10.24333/jkots.2025.31.4.487
