The First Kings of Israel: Who wrote their stories?

Bernhard Anderson: DH is a court history

"so vivid and historically authentic that the stories must have come from a time close to the events described"

-- perhaps even by eye-witnesses

Norman Gottwald: likely composed in the time of King Josiah (640s)

--further modified during the Exile (586-539)

--emphasis on how the monarchy conforms to Torah with hints that it doesn't and threats of destruction

--alternating with promises of hope and of land given to David

--realism of characters stands out over thematic messages

What are ancient court histories usually like?

--generally, lists of kings, major conquests, and accomplishments

--the apology of Hattusilis (Hittite, 13th c. B.C.E.: justification for usurping the throne