Full Description
How can the stories of the Hebrew Bible be read for their ethical value? Eryl W. Davies uses the narratives of King David in order to explore this, basing his argument on Martha Nussbaum's notion that a sensitive and informed commentary can unpack the complexity of fictional accounts. Davies discusses David and Michal in 1 Sam. 19:11-17; David and Jonathan in 1 Sam. 20; David and Bathsheba in 2 Sam. 11; Nathan's parable in 2 Sam. 12; and the rape of Tamar in 2 Sam. 13.
By examining these narratives, Davies shows that a fruitful and constructive dialogue is possible between biblical ethics and modern philosophy. He also emphasizes the ethical accountability of biblical scholars and their responsibility to evaluate the moral teaching that the biblical narratives have to offer.
Contents
Introduction
1. Narrative Ethics: An Introduction
2. Lies and Loyalty: David, Michal and Jonathan
3. Adultery and Murder: David and Bathsheba
4. Nathan's Parable
5. The Rape of Tamar
6. Ethical Criticism
7. Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
