Theology and Art in the Narrative of the Ammonite War (2 Samuel 10-12) -- By: John I. Lawlor
Journal: Grace Theological Journal
Volume: GTJ 03:2 (Fall 1982)
Article: Theology and Art in the Narrative of the Ammonite War (2 Samuel 10-12)
Author: John I. Lawlor
GTJ 3:2 (Fall 82) p. 193
Theology and Art in the Narrative
of the Ammonite War (2 Samuel 10-12)
The well known David/Bathsheba incident is examined in its broader narrative framework of 2 Sam 10:1–12:31. Much of the meaning and appreciation of the biblical account of that event is missed apart ftom its context. The larger Ammonite War narrative is a classic example of the masterful use of literary techniques by a biblical writer. It is not, however, “literary art for art’s sake.” The artistic presentation of the material greatly enhances the writer’s perspective on the profound and vital theological issues at stake.
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Introduction
The familiar narrative of David’s adulterous involvement with Bathsheba and his subsequent confrontation by Nathan (2 Sam 11:1–12:25) is often cited as an example of James’ model of “lust-sin-death” (James 1:14–15). To be sure, these elements are apparent in the David-Bathsheba narrative; but a careful scrutiny of the text indicates that there is much more. Initially, it is to be observed that the David-Bathsheba pericope is but part of a larger narrative unit. The Ammonite war is actually the narrative framework within which the David-Bathsheba incident is depicted. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that the phrase וַיְהִי אַחֲרֵי־ן (“Now it happened afterwards…” NASB) of 2 Sam 10:1 is precisely the same phrase that is found in 13:1 (“Now it was after this…” NASB);1 thus 2 Sam 10:1–12:31 is to be treated as a narrative unit.2 This fact might help shape the reader’s perception of the events recorded in 11:1–12:25 .
GTJ 3:2 (Fall 82) p. 194
The intent of this study is not to present a verse-by-verse analysis; rather, the purpose is threefold: (1) to suggest a literary structure for these three chapters, (2) to investigate the narrative technique that has been employed, (3) to raise—and seek to probe—the question of “how the text has meaning.”
The Text
The drama of the Ammonite War would appear to develop through a sequence of episodic units which progressively create tensions, ambiguities, and complications both for the characters in the drama as well as for the reader...
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