ARTICLE
The Eternal Contradictions of David. The Case of 2Sam 24:1-25
Federico GIUNTOLI
volume 6, issue 1, 2014, pages 23-40
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsGGPK6541
Published online: 2014-06-01
Published in print: 2014-06-30
Abstract: This paper focuses on the development of the image of David in 2Sam 24:1-25. Given the perplexing ambiguities that often mark the king’s actions within the entire David Narrative (1Samuel 16–1Kings 2), the particular characterization of David in this passage will be carefully examined. Special attention will be given to the practice of calling for a “census” (ordered by David in this chapter) in both the biblical context and that of the ancient Near East, in order to illustrate that in antiquity a census was often associated with sin and impurity.
Keywords:
David, characterization, census, biblical theology, ancient Near East