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The negative biblical presentation of King Saul of Israel has been biased in favour of David at the expense of Saul. This book presents a more positive picture and more realistic view of the culture of the period extending from Saul to the schism. Simcha Shalom Brooks explores a number of controversial issues such as the historicity of the biblical text on which so many modern scholars are sharply divided; that David was ambitious and coveted Saul's throne, and even though David became king, the people continued to support the house of Saul.
List of contents
Contents: Preface; Ancient Israel: fiction or historical reality?; Introduction to the emergence of monarchy; Saul and the Deuteronomist; Saul and David; King Saul: origins and achievements; Gibeah of Saul; From Saul to the Schism; Summary and conclusions; Bibliography; Indexes.
About the author
Dr Simcha Shalom Brooks is a member of the Society for Old Testament Study. She is a graduate of University College London and completed her Ph.D. on King Saul in 1997. She has held several teaching posts and is now an independent scholar.
Summary
The negative biblical presentation of King Saul of Israel has been biased in favour of David at the expense of Saul. This book presents a more positive picture and more realistic view of the culture of the period extending from Saul to the schism. Simcha Shalom Brooks explores a number of controversial issues such as the historicity of the biblical text on which so many modern scholars are sharply divided; that David was ambitious and coveted Saul's throne, and even though David became king, the people continued to support the house of Saul. This book makes a valuable contribution to the current biblical debate as to the existence of ancient Israel in the Iron Age 1 Period. Simcha Shalom Brooks draws on literary, historical and archaeological material to present a balanced view of the period.
Additional text
'This book makes a valuable contribution to the current biblical debate as to the existence of ancient Israel in the Iron Age 1 Period.' Theological Book Review
