The Redaction of the Reigns of the Kings of Uzziah, Ahaz and Manasseh

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Introduction The redaction of the reigns of the kings Uzziah, Ahaz, and Manasseh are examples of conflicting historical documentations. The book of 2 Kings (written by a Deuteronomistic historian) is presupposed throughout this examination of texts to have been the source of the writings that the Chronicler (or the writer of Chronicles) would have referenced. This comparison will analyze, yet not exhaust, the additions, omissions, and modifications made by the Chronicler to the original texts and will also attempt to explain why he would have changed the information to fit his specific paradigm. The Reign of Uzziah When comparing the reign of Uzziah in 2 Kings 15:1-7 to the text of 2 Chronicles 26, the first difference one would notice is that there are several minor literary differences in the composure of the text that really have little significance to the subject; however, the Chronicler does vary his account of the happenings to conform his personal doctrine to that of blessing and judgment. One major change within this specific text is the name used. The Hebrew version uses the name Azariah, while the Chronicler uses Uzziah. The reasoning may possibly be that Azariah was the king’s birth name or his given name at the time of his kingship; or it may be a name set aside for distinguishing the king from the priest Azariah, who is also mentioned within this and surrounding texts. Within the selected texts, the Chronicler adds a lot of information to Kings. While Kings only gives a small record of Uzziah’s life, the Chronicler adds details of when and how Uzziah received his blessings and also added the king’s wicked ways that consequently led to his skin disorder. These additions were necessary to mold Uzziah’s years of kingshi... ... middle of paper ... ...repentance and also fall in line with the continuing theme of blessing and judgment. In 2 Chronicles 33:12 it is clearly noted that Manasseh humbled prayers in 2 Chronicles 33:13 and Yahweh answered. Conclusion In conclusion, 2 Kings a king who only allowed for sacrifice at the Jerusalem temple was favored and not condemned – no matter his other shortcomings (Hayes, 232). The Deuteronomistic historian knew that this did not pan out exactly the way he believed it should, so he added, omitted, and changed the account of Kings to fit into his theology of good equals good and bad equals bad. If a king was good, he was allowed a long reign and was victorious in battle; if a king was bad, then he had a short reign and could not be victorious. These changes made a running theme throughout the chosen texts that solidified the Chronicler’s doctrine of blessing and judgment.

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