What I continue to admire---as you. Amichai. guide us through the machinations, conflicts, shadowy and partisan histories of the kings---is his refusal to whitewash or ignore the ugliness in these accounts. No one can say that the Hebrew Bible is hagiographical, but much of it is ignored---as is the case with the Torah, though that at least gets read every year. But the real achievement for me in what Amichai, you are up to, is salvaging what we can learn and respect in these stories, and your intent always to bring them into our present as mirrors, warnings, and inspirations. I may not be enjoying this daly dose of ancient lore, I never lose sight of the conscientious and caring persistence you maintain in facing every verse, nuance, and in consulting the most credible commentaries to illuminate the texts. Stay strong, and come back home to our flagrant Spring.
I think your comment, that Navot's heirs didn't get the land back (so Ahab felt sorry but changed nothing? How is that repentance?) is the most chilling.
What I continue to admire---as you. Amichai. guide us through the machinations, conflicts, shadowy and partisan histories of the kings---is his refusal to whitewash or ignore the ugliness in these accounts. No one can say that the Hebrew Bible is hagiographical, but much of it is ignored---as is the case with the Torah, though that at least gets read every year. But the real achievement for me in what Amichai, you are up to, is salvaging what we can learn and respect in these stories, and your intent always to bring them into our present as mirrors, warnings, and inspirations. I may not be enjoying this daly dose of ancient lore, I never lose sight of the conscientious and caring persistence you maintain in facing every verse, nuance, and in consulting the most credible commentaries to illuminate the texts. Stay strong, and come back home to our flagrant Spring.
Peter
I think your comment, that Navot's heirs didn't get the land back (so Ahab felt sorry but changed nothing? How is that repentance?) is the most chilling.
Perhaps a counter example would be the establishment of "Maalé Adumim" east of Jerusalem on what was barren land and is now a vibrant community.