Reading Prophetic Narratives

"... a superb example of modern Orthodox Jewish biblical interpretation." --Interpretation

"This detailed and intriguing work represents years of thought and meticulous analysis as well as a fresh reading of several familiar prophetic narratives found in the OT." --The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

"... this book contains well-argued and thoughtful literary readings... Simon is thoroughly versed in the secondary literature but has managed to write a volume accessible to both scholars and informed general readers..." --Choice

Noted biblical scholar Uriel Simon undertakes a systematic study of prophetic narratives in the Bible. He focuses on seven stories (including Samuel's call to prophecy, Saul at Endor, and David and Bathsheba), analyzing their form and structure, their rhetorical devices, their descriptions of character and motive, their narrative techniques--in short, on the ways in which the stories are told.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 331-338) and indexes.

Uriel Simon is Professor of Bible and Director of the Institute for the History of Jewish Bible Research at Bar-Ilan University, Israel. He is the author of Abraham Ibn Ezra's Two Commentaries on the Minor Prophets; Four Approaches to the Book of Psalms and The Book of Jonah--A Commentary.

Preface

1. The Birth of Samuel: Miracle and Vow, Divine Gift and Maternal Dedication

2. Young Samuel's Call to Prophecy: The Servitor Became a Star

3. Saul at Endor: The Narrative Balance Between the Pitiless Prophet and the

Compassionate Witch

4. "That Man Is You!": A King Sins, A Man Repents, and a Father Is Punished

5. A Prophetic Sign Overcomes Those Who Would Defy It: The King of Israel, the Prophet

from Bethel, and the Man of God from Judah

6. Elijah's Fight against Baal Worship: The Prophet's Role in Returning Israel to its God

7. Elisha and the Woman of Shunem: The Miracle Worker Needs Guidance from the

Beneficiary of his Miracle

Appendix: Minor Characters in Biblical Narrative

Notes

Bibliography

Indexes