Role of Deuteronomistic History In enhancing Biblical Undertanding

Richard Nelson's Presentation Of Deuteronomistic History

Books

The beginning of DH's history saw him incorporate the existing book of Deuteronomy 1-3, 31, 34 where he furnished it with an enclosing framework. Joshua1-12, 23; Judges 2-16; I Samuel I through II Samuel 20; and I and II Kings are the books labeled the Deuteronomistic Historian (DH), an editor who managed to assemble items of older material from scribal in Israel's tradition. Since DH was an original author, his significant aggregate data was a coherent whole that gave it distinctive theological outlook. In his work, he recounted past events in a systematic manner and traced the interplay of cause and effect thus, explained the meaning and significance of recent developments for a readership that is contemporary.

The DH gives a pessimistic outlook where he gives a central interpretative theme of Israel's fate in the land being hinged on the obedience or disobedience of the nation to Moses' law. DH's final form is also apparent as it dates from early exile and reports on events leading to the death of Judah's last king. Hence, DH's purpose was to explain the overthrow of the nation that is seen as a divine punishment that is justified for the ethical misdeeds of people and their kings.

Originality of the material

The material presented is not original and that the original DH was written generations earlier, which was either during or after the reign of Josiah. As such, the DH was pieced together from other sources due to the perplexing tension present within two main theological themes, an optimistic and the other is mostly pessimistic. DH incorporated various earlier sources in writing this history, especially in Joshua and Samuel. Nonetheless, using the older sources made no significant changes to the literature since most of the sources used have been uncovered through methods of criticisms by historians. In Kings, we see DH using three sources (1 Kings 11:41; 14:19, 29) and for Joshua, he adapted previous collections of the conquest stories (Joshua 2-11).

Unifying techniques in the DH

The unifying techniques DH employs are both structural and thematic means for this sprawling work. The use of chronology is an important unifying method used and for the first part, Deuteronomy to I Kings 8, DH counts a 480-year timeline reaching from the Exodus (Egypt) to the building of Solomon's temple. This system has its heart in the book of Judges. The other chronology is based on the reigns of kings of Judah and Israel, and it begins with Saul's reign (I Sam 13:1) and David (II Sam 5:4-5). It later continues in the book of Kings from Solomon down to the end of Judah's independence. With these chronological frameworks, DH provides the work with structure, unity and a sense of historical credibility and breadth.

The second structural technique employed by the DH is that of prophecy and fulfillment pairs. This works such that the prophet does announce an upcoming event and this forecast is later fulfilled at later historical points. It is by the fulfillment of these prophetic words that the DH demonstrates historical events being driven by the will of God. Moreover, the word given by God to prophets to speak is a trusted word.

The third system of organization is that of reflective pauses in actions at critical turns in the narrative. According to the DH, these are referred to as "end of era speeches" that summarized historical events that proclaim their significance in light of the author's theology. Therefore, the expressions look back in search of meaning and forward to give a forecast of the future regarding the promises and threats God gave His people.

Theology of the DH

Divine punishment and reward are the most characteristics that are derived from Deuteronomy. Disloyalty and apostasy to the Lord were things that inevitably brought punishment and wrath from God. However, those who returned, repented and were loyal to written laws brought salvation and blessing upon themselves. The other heinous transgression was when the people sacrificed to the Lord from other sites other than Jerusalem. Other themes presented include the promised land, Jerusalem temple being the place to meet the Lord for prayer and worship, David was exceptionally obedient and made God promise him to have his family rule in Jerusalem in perpetuity and Josiah is referred to as DH's hero among others.

The plot of the DH gives focus on cause and effect in an attempt to reveal the meaning of past events. The plot's central problem is set up by Moses and Joshua's warnings. It is on a hopeful note that the story begins where the authority of Moses is transferred to Joshua who manages to lead Israel in a unified and wholly successful invasion that resulted in them acquiring the promised land.

In the context of our history, people of faith are urged to be obedient at all times to what the Lord instructs us to do. It is written that "obedience is better than sacrifice" even to-date, it is vital for children to obey as a commandment that God prepared for us to follow. Faithful people need to emulate David if we want to inherit the Kingdom of God and attain eternal life. In our present time, there are challenges that the people of the DH Historian time did not deal with for them to be faithful to God's Covenant. Nonetheless, we are all children of one God, and He does things in His own time because He is our ruler. Therefore, the challenges are there to make us strong and continue believing in Him.

Reference List:

Nelson, R.D. (2011). The Historical Books: Interpreting Biblical Texts Series. Nashville: Abingdon Press.