Category Archives: Commentary

Authority vs Power

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“The classic statement of distinction between authority and power was developed by Weber. In the words of M. G. Smith,   “Authority is, in the abstract, the right to make a particular decision and to command obedience…Power…is the ability to act effectively on persons or things, to make or secure favorable decisions which are not of right allocated to the individuals or their roles.”
——— Naomi Steinberg. “Israelite Tricksters, their Analogues and Cross-Cultural Study.” Semeia No 42, 1988, p 1-13

Study Oct 17 – Michal and Paltiel

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When Michal, David’s wife, rescued him from Saul, David fled, leaving her behind (1 Sam 19:12).   Saul gave her as wife to Paltiel (1 Sam 25:44).   After the death of Saul, David demanded his wife back.  When they took Michal from Paltiel, “her  husband went with her, weeping as he went.”  (2 Sam 3:13-16).  Such a poignant story.  We wonder if David ever loved anyone.

Study of II Samuel is Coming Oct 3

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Stay tuned as we pick up our study of King David and all the assorted siblings, soldiers, children, wives and mothers.  On October 3rd join us for II Samuel, Chapter 1 & 2.   Read David’s poignant lament over the deaths of Jonathan and Saul, and learn about his first days as King over Judah.

“David’s story has a way of shifting out from under us.  It is a story that refuses to be tamed, secured, or neatly ordered.”
-Gunn and Fewell: Narrative in the Hebrew Bible.

Wednesday July 18 2011 Ruth starting with Ch 2

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We will study Ruth in detail.  We will read through the text and consider issues of identity (both loss and change), redemption, affliction by YHWH, the role of women in transforming society, love between women, Naomi as a Jobian figure, the significance of the book of Ruth in the biblical narrative, the place of both Ruth and Boaz in the genealogy of King David.

Study with Penina – Ruth – Wednesday July 11

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We will study Ruth in detail in two classes. We will read through the text and consider issues of identity (both loss and change), redemption, affliction by YHWH, the role of women in transforming society, love between women, Naomi as a Jobian figure, the significance of the book of Ruth in the biblical narrative, the place of both Ruth and Boaz in the genealogy of King David.