trouble with Kings, The
Book Description
Biblical scholarship meets detective work in this rigorous examination of one of the Old Testament's most complex books. Steven L. McKenzie takes readers on an investigative journey through the composition and editing history of the book of Kings, revealing how ancient texts were crafted, revised, and preserved across centuries.
Drawing on established scholarly frameworks, McKenzie challenges prevailing theories about how Kings was assembled. He argues that the original author, known as the Deuteronomist, composed the prophetic oracles against Israel's northern kingdoms without relying on earlier prophetic documents that other scholars have proposed. This fresh perspective reshapes our understanding of how biblical narratives came together.
The study examines beloved stories of prophets like Elijah and Elisha, suggesting many were later additions to the original work. McKenzie demonstrates the original author's techniques through detailed analysis of accounts featuring kings Hezekiah and Josiah, offering readers insight into ancient storytelling methods and editorial practices.
For those seeking to understand how sacred texts developed over time, this work provides both comprehensive research surveys and original analysis. McKenzie explores tensions between different editorial layers, revealing how multiple hands shaped these foundational stories across generations. The book includes examination of variant manuscript traditions, showing how textual differences illuminate the complex process of biblical transmission.
This scholarly investigation offers readers tools for understanding how ancient wisdom literature evolved, providing deeper appreciation for the layered richness of biblical texts.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)
📄 Length: 186 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Document D (Critique biblique)
- ✓ Explore Sources
- ✓ Explore Redaction Criticism
- ✓ Explore Sacred Writings
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore D document (Biblical criticism)
- ✓ Explore RELIGION
- ✓ Explore Judaism
