Lectionary Year B
July 6, 2003
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10

Step II: Disposition

A. Genre

(JFC) This pericope is a classical narrative. It accounts for the selection and inauguration of David as King in a right matter-of-fact manner. The style is almost stilted and it seems to repeat such terms as David's name and the name of Hebron unnecessarily more than smoothly read. Or, is Hebron significant enough to have its name repeated more than necessary? And, perhaps there is a second start of the event (or is it events?) as the Elders show up where the tribes have been reported to be and go about doing very nearly the same activity, rather puzzlingly. The report of David's age and years of serving as King seem almost out of place. Or, are these figures significant enough to be expected or, at least, accepted as commonly stated?

B. Personal Interaction

(JFC) First, is there a second beginning of this narrative, or is it all in one, making the tribes' and the elders' responsibilities different enough for them to occupy what might be two different paragraphs in one account? And, of course, why omit verses 6-8?

C. Organization

(JFC) The possible second beginning of the story is in the 3rd verse. The omitted verses come between verse 5 and verse 9.



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