Tendenz and Textual Criticism in 1 Samuel 2–10

Abstract

A dominant feature of the stories in 1 Samuel 2–10 is the striking correspondence that they share with various Tetrateuchal accounts. Correspondences exist between the houses of Eli (1 Sam. 2) and Aaron (Lev. 10; Num. 25); the ark narrative (1 Sam. 4–6) and the plagues narrative (Exod. 5–12); as well as the rejection of divine kingship (1Sam. 8) and the rebellion concerning manna (Num. 11). Commentators have failed to note that many of the textual problems of the MT in 1 Samuel 2–10 surface precisely where these Deuteronomistic and Tetrateuchal accounts are parallel. Rather than being scribal errors, many textual problems in 1 Samuel 2–10 are thus the product of Dtr’s citation of, or allusion to, corresponding Tetrateuchal accounts.