ENGL 340
Prof. G. Steinberg

Response Paper:  1 Samuel

Choose one of the following areas as the focus of your response paper:

1. In Joshua and Judges, we pointed out how images and motifs from the Pentateuch were reused through the concept of typology (e.g., the mini-Passover in Joshua 2 and the mini-Red Sea in Joshua 3).  Do you see any images or motifs from the Pentateuch, Joshua, or Judges resurfacing in 1 Samuel?  Where?  Why?  What effect does the repetition of these images and motifs have in terms of advancing or characterizing the stories in 1 Samuel?
2. Although we no longer have J, E, P, and D, 1 Samuel is, like the Pentateuch, a compilation of multiple stories from different oral traditions.  So, look for doublets and triplets of the most important events as you read.  Choose one doublet/triplet.  How do the stories differ from one another?  What does each story add to our picture of Samuel, Saul, and/or David?
3. How does 1 Samuel characterize David?  In Hebrew culture, David was the founding father, the great king.  With Abraham and Moses, he is one of the most important figures in Hebrew history.  What impression do you get of him in 1 Samuel?  When the Hebrews look back on this important figure in their history, how do they think of him?

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