The Vow to Kill Elisha: Function and Meaning in 2 Kings 6:31–33

An analysis of this passage in its context leads to the recognition that the story is not unified and reveals the stages of its development. Understanding the motivation for developing the story leads to another conclusion: that the formation of this story is closely related to the wider context, na...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Kisleṿ, Itamar (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Brill 2022
In: Vetus Testamentum
Year: 2022, Volume: 72, Issue: 1, Pages: 47-66
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Ahab Israel, King / Jehu Israel, King ca. 845 BC-818 BC / Elisha / Siege / Bible. Könige 2. 6,24-7,20 / Samaria
IxTheo Classification:HB Old Testament
HD Early Judaism
HH Archaeology
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Description
Summary:An analysis of this passage in its context leads to the recognition that the story is not unified and reveals the stages of its development. Understanding the motivation for developing the story leads to another conclusion: that the formation of this story is closely related to the wider context, namely the redaction of the Elisha cycle.
In the story of the siege of Samaria (2 Kgs 6:24–7:20), the passage in which the king surprisingly threatens to kill Elisha (6:31–33) is problematic. This passage also recounts the preparations by Elisha and the elders who are with him for the arrival of the king’s messenger who comes to kill the prophet (6:32). Eventually, and without explanation, the king abandons his initial intention to kill Elisha (6:33). This strange passage does not promote the plot and its function in the story is not clear.
ISSN:1568-5330
Contains:Enthalten in: Vetus Testamentum
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1163/15685330-bja10018