Emergence of the monarchy & kingdom of Israel

Image: The Web Gallery of Art

As we discussed in class, Saul is considered the first of the actual monarchs of Israel. The image above is a 1646 painting by Guercino and is currently in the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica in Rome.

This activity requires you do do multiple things

1. Summarise the two distinct narratives regarding Saul in 1 Samuel 1 - 14. 
• Include information such as what can we identify as being a monarch's duty?  
• Discuss any overlaps and contradictions such as what reasons are given for Saul's appointment as monarch. 
• What does this tell you about the authorship of 1 Samuel? 
2. Consider the Guercino painting. 
• What sort of representation is presented here? 
• How does Guercino's context influence the way he represents Saul?
3. Read Finkelsten & Silberman The Bible Unearthed p.124-127 and the chapter 'The Madness of Saul' in their other book David and Solomon p.61-89. In your blog entry discuss
• What do these modern historians have to say about the Biblical evidence? 
• What does the title of the chapter tell you about the author's attitude towards Saul?
4. Now read Miller and Hayes A History of Ancient Israel and Judah, p.129-145. 
• Is there anything you can add about modern scholarship on this issue of Saul?

*TEP Assignment notes*
- requiring a written response related to a historiographical issue
- area of debate: emergence of the monarchy and kingdom of Israel