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