Chronology of Shemuel I 16 – 17/2
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Chronology of Shemuel I 16 – 17
Exegetical Approaches
Chronological Order
How did Shaul not recognize David? These commentators offer several possibilities:
- Too busy – Ralbag and Ibn Kaspi assert that since Shaul had so many different concerns in the kingdom, he did not remember the names and details of all of his servants.1
- Shaul was asking a different question – Bavli Yevamot, and others in its wake,2 explain that Shaul was not asking for David's name but rather his lineage, to ascertain his worthiness to rule. This, however, is somewhat difficult as Shaul already knew who David's father was (see 16:22) and David does not offer any further identification.
- Evil Spirit – Rabbi Shemuel b. Chofni Gaon3 suggests that when the "evil spirit" () came upon Shaul he became confused and no longer remembered who David was.4
Why was David in Beit Lechem? Rashi and Radak explain that the phrase "" comes to teach that David only worked part time in the palace
17:33 – "כִּי נַעַר אַתָּה וְהוּא אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה מִנְּעֻרָיו"
Doubling of list of Yishai's sons
Eliav's attitude to David
אין מוקדם ומאוחר
David's rise to power
18:2 – When is "בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא"?
Achronological Order
Sources:R. Shemuel b. Chofni Gaon #1
How did Shaul not recognize David?
How was David in Beit Lechem?
17:33 – "כִּי נַעַר אַתָּה וְהוּא אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה מִנְּעֻרָיו"
Doubling of list of Yishai's sons
Eliav's attitude to David
אין מוקדם ומאוחר
Overlapping stories
How did Shaul not recognize David?
How was David in Beit Lechem?
17:33 – "כִּי נַעַר אַתָּה וְהוּא אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה מִנְּעֻרָיו"
Doubling of list of Yishai's sons
Eliav's attitude to David
אין מוקדם ומאוחר
