An Introduction to the Old Testament: Lecture 13
How should a society organise itself? Should leaders be elected? Should they be selected because of their military prowess or their charismatic personalities? Or should one family be allowed to govern a society as a "divine right"? These are questions faced by every society in the history of the world, and the biblical world was no different. In this next lecture from Yale professor Christine Hayes, we explore Israel's transition from a tribal society under the leadership of elders and eventually charismatic "judges" to a nation under a monarch. The focus is on the books of Judges and 1 and 2 Samuel. Early stories of local heroes are woven together into a larger history that conforms to the exilic perspectives of the Deuteronomistic School. An extended look at representations of Saul and David (including God's covenant with David) reveal historical shifts and some ambivalence about monarchy and the ideal form of leadership.
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Comment number 1.
At 26th Apr 2010, Eunice wrote:Bit quiet on here this week.....so to get the ball rolling.....re leaders ......this week I came across this by Plato..... said something along the lines of ....he wished that 'all rulers would become philosophers and all philosophers would become rulers' ......and to some extent I agree ....but perhaps more important than that is a leader who is very self aware, willing to reflect on the motivation/agendas for their decisions (personal power/gain vs true service for the whole)....sorry -I haven't linked this to the talk - need a re-cap first!!
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Comment number 2.
At 28th Apr 2010, Eunice wrote:How come none of us want to talk about leadership?? Are we all sheep.....who just like to criticise from the blogosphere those who put themselves forward as leaders without fully stepping up to the mark ourselves? Maybe I'm just projecting ....or stirring?! For we are all leaders to a greater or lesser degree whether we like it or not - at home, in work etc but perhaps staying safe from the inevitable criticism that comes when one becomes a leader of a society....
any takers? any leaders prepared to say why they would do a better job than the current leaders....any priests on why they should be Pope? OR are we just waiting for next week?! :-)
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Comment number 3.
At 28th Apr 2010, wedwabbit wrote:Sorry Eunice - i dont know much about this either. I like the idea of a monarchy thats lets its people vote.
I like the idea of a monarchy because the history of the monarchy is connected to the history of the people and their connection to the land. I like seeing buckingham palace,(luv the ravens) and I love the stories about Tara and the high kings of ireland. I've never been to Wales but it does remind be of King Arthur & Merlin. And what would Edinburgh be without the castle!!
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