Excellent4.8 out of 5On Trustpilot
  1. Christian Books/
  2. Bible Study

Legitimacy, Illegitimacy, and the Right to Rule

Windows on Abimelech's Rise and Demise in Judges 9

by Gordon K. Oeste

  • Paperback
  • 288 pages
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
  • 15.6 x 23.4 x 1.6 cm

£45.32

Free UK Delivery

Available - Usually dispatched within 4 days

Buying for a school or church? Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account

Free delivery on orders over £10

This book explores the portrayal of the rise, reign, and demise of Abimelech in Judges 9 and asks about whose interests this portrayal may have served. The negative depiction of Abimelech's kingship in this chapter, coupled with Gideon's rejection of kingship in Judges 8:22-23, has led interpreters to view the passage as anti-monarchic. This perspective clashes with the pro-monarchic stance of Judges 17-21. However, while the portrayal of Abimelech's kingship is negative, it may yet have served as a legitimation strategy for the monarchy. In support, this study examines Judges 9 through three methodological lenses: a narrative analysis, a rhetorical analysis and a social scientific analysis. In addition, anthropological data on early and developing states shows that such states attempt to prevent fissioning (the tendency inherent within political systems to break up and form other similar units) by subverting local leaders, groups, and institutions, and so legitimate the centralization of power. When read in this light, Judges 9 supports monarchic interests by seeking to subvert localized rule and alliances in favor of a centralized polity.
Legitimacy, Illegitimacy, and the Right to Rule and Legitimacy, Illegitimacy, and the Right to Rule
Legitimacy, Illegitimacy, and the Right to RuleLegitimacy, Illegitimacy, and the Right to Rule

  • Author

    Gordon K. Oeste

  • Book Format

    Paperback

  • Publisher

    Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

  • Published

    May 2013

  • Weight

    409g

  • Page Count

    288

  • Dimensions

    15.6 x 23.4 x 1.6 cm

  • ISBN

    9780567110626

  • ISBN-10

    0567110621

  • Eden Code

    4077622

Featured in

Over 14,000 churches and schools have upgraded to an Advance Account and we‘d love to welcome you into this free program. We know that church volunteers and school teachers often use their own money, then have claim it back on on an expense form. We can take all of that hassle away by invoicing your church or school directly and delivering your order straight away.

Opening an account is quick and easy, with most accounts being approved and setup within a few hours of filling in the form below (on weekdays, not weekends). As soon as we‘ve approved the application we‘ll send you an email to let you know that its done.

Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account
Write a review
      Ask a question