"Reign Over Us!": The Theme of Kingship in Judges 8-9

Abstract

<p>The negative portrayal of kingship in Judg 8-9 contributes greatly to the discussion concerning the legitimacy of human kingship for Israel in the book of Judges. Through the implementation of various literary techniques the narrator of the Gideon-Abimelech narrative presents an anti-monarchic ideology. This is emphasized by the actions of Gideon (Judg 8), Abimelech (Judg 9: 1-6,22-57) and Israel (Judg 9:7-21) and is highlighted by the disastrous outcome of events in each of these sections. Further, Judg 8- 9 offers a depiction of the Canaanization of Israel with a particular focus on their adoption of the Canaanite systems of worship and monarchy. When the anti-monarchic tone of this narrative is read against the refrain found throughout Judg 17-21 ("In those days there was no Icing in Israel. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes."), there is a clear tension which leaves the reader with an ambiguous message concerning human kingship. The negative attention given to human kingship in the Gideon-Abimelech narrative directs focus toward Israel's inability to remain faithful to Yahweh, their king, suggesting that this, rather than the legitimacy of human kingship, is the primary concern of the narrator in Judg 8-9.</p>