Saul as a Just Judge in Josephus’ 'Antiquities of the Jews'

Full title
Saul as a Just Judge in Josephus’ 'Antiquities of the Jews'
Research notes

reader checked|24/08/2012 AL

Reference type
Journal Article
Author(s)
Avioz, Michael
Year
2008
Journal / Book Title || Series Title
Journal of Hebrew Scriptures
Volume
8
Number of volumes
0
Pages
http://www.arts.ualberta.ca/JHS/Articles/article_95.pdf
Alternative title
JHS
Related keywords
Saul
Jewish Antiquities / Antiquitates judaicae
Label
24/11/2008
URL
http://www.arts.ualberta.ca/JHS/Articles/article_95.pdf
Abstract

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.