Open AccessSaul as a Just Judge in Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews
Author(s) -
Michael Avioz
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of hebrew scriptures
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1203-1542
DOI - 10.5508/jhs.2008.v8.a18
Subject(s) - josephus , assertion , praise , narrative , philosophy , economic justice , literature , art , theology , law , political science , judaism , computer science , programming language
This essay reconsiders Louis Feldman's assertion that Josephus characterized Saul as a king who administered justice. This assertion is examined against the narratives in 1 Samuel 14 and 22. My conclusion is that Josephus did not praise Saul for being a just king. In this regard, his characterization of Saul is consistent with the biblical narratives in 1 Samuel 14 and 22, which denounce Saul for being a negative model of the king as supreme judge.