The Hezekiah—Sennacherib Narrative as Polyphonic Text*

Abstract

2 Kings 18—19 is commonly viewed as an incoherent narrative composed of multiple sources, necessitating a diachronic approach. However, this hypothesis is only a heuristic model suggesting we read the pericope in this way. This article instead takes a Bakhtinian approach, viewing 2 Kings 18—19 as a polyphonic composition which accounts for both the disjunctions within the narrative and its unity. Viewed as a dialogue of genres (history-like narrative, direct speech and prophetic oracle) in implicit dialogue, this narrative is `dialogic' as different voices intersect in this pericope, revealing a plurality of viewpoints. A Bakhtinian approach not only allows a fresh exegesis of the narrative but also has implications regarding the composition of the narrative, allowing the Deuteronomist more creativity than is often the case.