In Those Days There Was No King
IN THOSE DAYS THERE WAS NO KING ( The Emergence of Israelite Identity and Faith ) I. FOUNDATIONS AND QUESTIONS As so often before, the concluding chapters of Judges puzzled me. Chapters 13 – 16 recount the Samson cycle; chapters 17 – 18 describe the migration of the tribe of Dan; and chapters 19 – 21 culminate in the grim story of the concubine of Gibeah and the ensuing civil war within Israel. But what did they wish to convey? Before long, I wondered whether to contact Theophil to obtain his counsel. In the past, his manner – measured, observant, and sparing in speech – reflected discipline rather than detachment. I concluded that he would – once again – be a strong counterparty. As I raised my eyes from the Koren bible, Theophil revealed his presence. Looking at me thoughtfully, he l...