Divine Providence and Retribution in Ancient Historiography: A Comparative Analysis of the Book of Chronicles and Herodotus’ Histories (Article) -- Ancient History Encyclopedia

Article

Divine Providence and Retribution in Ancient Historiography: A Comparative Analysis of the Book of Chronicles and Herodotus’ Histories

by LANGILLE, TIM (University of Alberta) (submitted by Jan van der Crabben)
published on 05 June 2012

This paper compares the conventional use of themes of divine providence and retribution in biblical historiography and ancient Greek historiography, more specifically, the role of the prophet in the book of Chronicles to that of the wise advisor in Herodotus’ Histories. Moreover, this study finds not only that the roles of the prophet and wise adviser are strikingly similar but also that both these characters are instrumental in enacting the theme of divine retribution.

First, the sociohistorical context of the eastern Mediterranean in the fifth and fourth centuries BCE will be considered to establish the foundation for a valid comparison. Second, the various roles of the prophet and wise advisor will be explored. Third, some possible functions of direct discourse in ancient Israelite and Greek historiographies will be examined. Finally, textual examples of arrogant rulers who ignore the warnings and exhortations of prophetic voices will be provided from both Chronicles and the Histories.

Axis Mundi (2004/2005)

Written by LANGILLE, TIM (University of Alberta), linked by Jan van der Crabben, published 05 June 2012. Source URL: http://www.arts.ualberta.ca/axismundi/2004/Wise_Advisor.pdf.

Disclaimer: Ancient History Encyclopedia claims no authorship, intellectual property, or copyright on the material below. It is used solely for non-profit educational purposes, and none of the data is stored on our servers. If you want this content to be removed from the site, please contact us.

[+] Enlarge article [-] View article page

Donate and help us!

We're a non-profit organisation and we need your help! This website costs money and research material isn't cheap either. We are supported only by our donors. Please consider donating; even small amounts help. Thank you!