Language:
Hebrew
Year of publication:
2019
Titel der Quelle:
מכלול; כתב עת רב-תחומי
Angaben zur Quelle:
לג (תשעט) 161-189
Keywords:
Saul, In rabbinical literature
;
Midrash rabbah. Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
Bible. Criticism, interpretation, etc., Jewish
;
Bible. Criticism, interpretation, etc.
Abstract:
The paper examines rabbinical views on the figure of King Saul that come to the fore in one section of the midrash Vakira Rabba 26.7. Among the range of topics addressed in that unit, this discussion focuses on the reasons behind King Saul’s death, the prophecy concerning his imminent end, and Saul’s reactions to that prophecy. Through a close reading of the relevant midrashim against the background of the biblical narrative (1 Sam. 28), a complete picture takes form. This midrashic unit powerfully depicts the dualism inherent in rabbinical attitudes toward the figure of King Saul. While this dualism can be detected in the biblical narrative itself, and is reflected especially in King David’s lament for Shaul, it remains implicit. In the midrashic unit of Vayikra Rabba 26.7 the dualism is pronounced: On one hand, Saul’s sins are detailed and their seriousness underlined, yet his death is presented in a positive light, with emphasis on his merit as the first King of Israel. At the epicenter of this dualism, as portrayed in the midrash, stands the reversal in God’s attitude to Saul, expressed most cogently by R. Yochanan’s reading of the verse “Tomorrow you and your sons will be with Me” (1 Sam. 28: 19) — seen as a definitive recognition of Saul’s righteousness as the ultimate evaluation of his life.
URL:
אתר את הפרסום בקטלוג המאוחד של ספריות ישראל
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