David: The Hebrew Bible and History

The complex Biblical account of King David's royal accomplishments and private failings have increasingly aroused skepticism among biblical scholars. In what sense may the Biblical account be considered reliable? How do theological interests and narrative artistry affect historiography? The course will focus on David and Solomon (1 Samuel 1-1 Kings 11), contemporary non-biblical records, archaeological evidence, and the image of David provided in other biblical texts. Modern methods of biblical scholarship will guide the inquiry, but attention will also be given to the philosophy of history.