In both modern fiction and the biblical texts of 1 Samuel 13-2 Samuel 1, the character of Jonathan serves as a key literary and theological figure. Throughout In Search of Jonathan, Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer interprets Jonathan's portrayal in traditional biblical literature and modern fiction. Each chapter provides first an analysis of Jonathan's characterization in 1-2 Samuel, followed by an examination of the depictions of Jonathan in modern fiction. Together, biblical and modern literature demonstrate how fictional retellings deepen and challenge the ways that scholars interpret Jonathan's character. Throughout the volume, Tiemeyer offers an interpretation of Jonathan as a plausible and psychologically consistent character while grappling with questions posed by his actions in the text. Tiemeyer asks, what kind of man is Jonathan who shows initiative and daring leadership ability, but who is also willing to lay down his crown before the usurper David's feet in humble submission? What kind of son is Jonathan who rebels against his father and takes David's part in the conflict between him and Saul, yet remains loyal to Saul until the bitter end on Mount Gilboa? To answer these questions, Tiemeyer considers depictions of Jonathan in modern fiction. Modern approaches, as Tiemeyer discusses, illuminate dormant yet integral aspects of the biblical texts. These modern retellings highlight, transform, and subvert the biblical portrayal of Jonathan. Posing these questions to the reader and other biblical scholars, Tiemeyer challenges the ways that scholars perceive Jonathan and his portrayals across biblical and modern literature.

About the Author
Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer is Professor of Old Testament Exegesis at OErebro School of Theology, Sweden, and Research Associate at the Department of Old Testament and Hebrew Scriptures, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Reviews
Jonathan is one of the most tragic, beautiful, conflicted and enigmatic of biblical characters, whose love for and loyalty to two men is never fully reciprocated. Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer interweaves profound biblical exegesis with contemporary fictional retellings, in a tour-de-force that is passionate, imaginative, and immensely scholarly. * Francis Landy, University of Alberta *
An accomplished scholar and editor with an international reputation for careful and nuanced scholarship, Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer now brings a wealth of experience to the story of the fraught days of Israel's early monarchy. What kind of relationships are portrayed on this narrative canvas, and why is Saul's son Jonathan given more attention than most kings? Is he presented as a conflicted character, or among the most noble and self-sacrificing figures in biblical history? Anyone interested in further research on these questions will need to consult this provocative study that is richly documented with an interdisciplinary flair * Keith Bodner, Crandall University *
In Search of Jonathan is a rare example of a book devoted to Jonathan in his own right. This engaging and meticulously argued study draws upon the way Jonathan is portrayed in a range of modern literary works in order to fashion a cohesive character out of the fractured mosaic of the biblical texts. Tiemeyer's Jonathan emerges from the shadows cast by Saul and David as a psychologically coherent yet complex and elusive figure, a 'multifaceted literary character who combines light and darkness', a tragic hero who compels our attention * James E. Harding, University of Otago *
Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer's deeply researched and well-written book explores the characterization of Jonathan in 1-2 Samuel through the twin channels of current biblical scholarship and narrative depictions of him in twentieth-century novels. * William J. Kennedy, Journal of Theological Studies *



Book Information
ISBN 9780197637777
Author Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer
Format Hardback
Page Count 392
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 726g
Dimensions(mm) 163mm * 236mm * 33mm