The monograph produces a new interpretation of the opening chapter of 1 Samuel by combining several hermeneutical models, including the theory of chaotic (dynamically unstable) systems and the most recent, essentially post-modern, form criticism, to produce a new interpretation of the opening chapters of 1 Samuel. It argues that 1 Samuel 1-8 is an integral literary unit whose stance on such pivotal issues as monarchy and cultic centralization poorly agrees with that of the balance of Deuteronomy - Kings. In the diachronic perspective, this unit can be construed as a post-Deuteronomistic redactional interpolation polemically directed against several planks of the Deuteronomic/Deuteronomistic agenda. In the synchronic perspective, the pattern of relationship between 1 Samuel 1-8 and the balance of Genesis - Kings calls for a non-linear, multi-dimensional reading of the corpus. Both interpretational trajectories lead to the conclusion that the thrust of the Former Prophets in its final form is controlled to a considerable extent by non-Deuteronomistic elements.
"Frolov´s study is exemplary [...]."
Bill T. Arnold in: Journal of Biblical Literature 3/2005
"This is a stimulating study that I highly recommend to synchronic and diachronic readers alike, to those interested in Samuel, and to those interested in the formation fo the Enneateuch."
Diana Edelman in: Catholic Biblical Quarterly 67/2005
"Insgesamt diskutiert die Monographie viele Fragen zum Textbereich und leistet einen anregenden Beitrag zur Klärung der Struktur und Entstehung von 1Sam 1-8."
Klaus-Peter Adam in: Theologische Literaturzeitung 1/2006
"Frolov s study is exemplary [...]."Bill T. Arnold in: Journal of Biblical Literature 3/2005 "This is a stimulating study that I highly recommend to synchronic and diachronic readers alike, to those interested in Samuel, and to those interested in the formation fo the Enneateuch."Diana Edelman in: Catholic Biblical Quarterly 67/2005 "Insgesamt diskutiert die Monographie viele Fragen zum Textbereich und leistet einen anregenden Beitrag zur Klärung der Struktur und Entstehung von 1Sam 1-8."Klaus-Peter Adam in: Theologische Literaturzeitung 1/2006
Bill T. Arnold in: Journal of Biblical Literature 3/2005
"This is a stimulating study that I highly recommend to synchronic and diachronic readers alike, to those interested in Samuel, and to those interested in the formation fo the Enneateuch."
Diana Edelman in: Catholic Biblical Quarterly 67/2005
"Insgesamt diskutiert die Monographie viele Fragen zum Textbereich und leistet einen anregenden Beitrag zur Klärung der Struktur und Entstehung von 1Sam 1-8."
Klaus-Peter Adam in: Theologische Literaturzeitung 1/2006
"Frolov s study is exemplary [...]."Bill T. Arnold in: Journal of Biblical Literature 3/2005 "This is a stimulating study that I highly recommend to synchronic and diachronic readers alike, to those interested in Samuel, and to those interested in the formation fo the Enneateuch."Diana Edelman in: Catholic Biblical Quarterly 67/2005 "Insgesamt diskutiert die Monographie viele Fragen zum Textbereich und leistet einen anregenden Beitrag zur Klärung der Struktur und Entstehung von 1Sam 1-8."Klaus-Peter Adam in: Theologische Literaturzeitung 1/2006