Language:
English
Year of publication:
2020
Titel der Quelle:
Journal of Hebrew Scriptures
Angaben zur Quelle:
20,2 (2020) 26 pp.
Keywords:
Adoniah
;
Solomon,
;
Bible. Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
Kings and rulers Succession
;
Biblical teaching
;
Assyro-Babylonian literature Relation to the Bible
Abstract:
The protocols for succession to the throne in ancient Israel and Judah have attracted little scholarly attention. In this article I first survey monarchic societies throughout history to show that there are no universally valid succession principles, despite scholars often treating primogeniture as such. I then look at evidence from ancient Near Eastern societies and suggest that in a “standard” scenario the incumbent king was expected to select a successor from a pool of viable candidates. I conclude by rereading Solomon’s accession to David’s throne in 1 Kings 1-2 in light of this.
URL:
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