Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 86:2 (Fall 2024)
Article: David’s Royal Probation In The Books Of Samuel
Author: James D. Reiley

David’s Royal Probation In The Books Of Samuel

James D. Reiley

David’s early career in 1–2 Samuel between his anointing and the dynastic promise is strongly analogous to Adam’s probation in Gen 2–3. Unlike the real Adam, however, David’s story is marked by his obedience, and thus the Bethlehemite reflects a would-be righteous Adam. The inner-biblical parallel is prized over against an alternative construal of David’s rise, which bases the king’s testing on a multi-stage accession pattern found throughout the ancient Near East. In arguing for this Edenic parallel, a narrative reading of David’s story is given focusing on his testing and the travails he faces as he awaits the day of his enthronement. Attention is given primarily to matters of plot and characterization. The text is analyzed in its canonical sequence from 1 Sam 16 to 2 Sam 7, but also with respect to a wider set of select themes and motifs. Beyond the narrow question of David’s political ascendance, the David-Adam comparison offers a heuristic perspective for seeing unity in this span of 1–2 Samuel. The study serves as preparation for future typological analyses of Adam, David, and Christ.