volume 11, issue 1, 2019, pages 11-28

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsDKFX9877
Published online: 2019-06-01
Published in print: 2019-06-30

Abstract: The subject of the study is the word צַפַּחַת ‘jug’ in its seven occurrences in the Masoretic text. The appearance of the ‘water jug’ of Saul in 1 Sam 26 is not only remarkable, but also David’s explicit interest in it. However, David’s intention with it, which remains unspecified, as well as the unexpected reappearance of the jug motif in the narrative of the widow of Zarephath and the cruse of oil and flour (1 Kgs 17:8-16), and the last occurrence of the word connected again with the prophet Elijah when he flees from Jezebel in 1 Kgs 19:3b-8, suggest a connection between the story in which the prophet miraculously receives a jug of water and the story where the jug of water is taken away from Saul. The motif of taking the jug from the king and miraculously assigning it to the prophet suggests a certain preference in favour of the prophetic leader who fulfils the word of the Lord.