Sprache:
Hebräisch
Erscheinungsjahr:
2021
Titel der Quelle:
JSIJ - Jewish Studies; an Internet Journal
Angaben zur Quelle:
22 (2021)
Kurzfassung:
This article analyzes Don Isaac Abravanel’s understanding of the biblical characterization of David as monarch. It offers a close reading of Abravanel’s commentaries on the King's relationships with three major figures who had a significant effect on his political prospects: his ally and loyal friend, Jonathan son of Saul; his collaborator and loving young wife, Michal daughter of Saul; and his rebel son, Absalom. The article demonstrates how, in Abravanel’s view, David related to the three princes unemotionally, often in an instrumental fashion, in accordance with political survival strategies. Abravanel steers a consistent line of interpretation, portraying David as generally lacking in sentiment. Moreover, in situations in which feelings may have been aroused, David did not allow such feelings to affect his behavior or to interfere with his political decisions. Several factors may explain Abravanel’s approach to David’s character: his negative conception of Monarchy as a political system, his appreciation of leadership, which combines natural statesmanship with spiritual ideals; his stoic tendencies and the critical spirit of the Italian Renaissance, which puts stress on the utilitarian aspects of politics. In our view, Abravanel perfected a transitory model of biblical interpretation: on the one hand beholden to classical and medieval Jewish (as well as other) exegetical sources, and on the other hand open to the Iberian and Italian contemporary humanistic and political traditions. In the article, we also compare the approaches of Abravanel and Yefet ben ‘Eli to David's character and personal relationships. Both commentators function as cultural agents of their respective eras and hermeneutics: the medieval-type and the renaissance-type. This comparison seeks to trace the transition from the 10th century emotive portrayal of King David to the 15th century utilitarian exposé of his character. We also consider commentators closer to Abravanel's time, especially Profiyat Duran, who also viewed David's political decisions as clearly divorced from emotional considerations.
URL:
אתר את הפרסום בקטלוג המאוחד של ספריות ישראל
