The Fate of Saul's Progeny in the Reign of David

Book excerpt: This narrative critical study offers a bold and comprehensive analysis of the relationship between David and Saul's heirs. Tushima inquires into whether Saulides' tragedies were due to continuing divine retribution, pure happenstance, or David orchestration. Focusing on the story of David and its interconnections with the fate of the Saulides, and employing the criterion of justice, the author presents the other side of King David, who is generally depicted as hero. Tushima argues that David was, most often, unjust and calculating in his dealings with the vanquished house of Saule. Thematic and motific threads arising from this study are considered within their contexts in Israel's traditions for their biblical-theological and redemptive-historical import.