Breaking the Siege: Examining the נַעֲרֵי֙ שָׂרֵ֣י הַמְּדִינֹ֔ות in 1 Kgs 20

Authors

David B. Schreiner, Wesley Biblical Seminary, MS

Abstract

This article examines the identity of the נַעֲרֵי֙ שָׂרֵ֣י הַמְּדִינֹ֔ות who dramatically break the siege of Samaria in 1 Kgs 20. Beginning with a grammatical and semantic analysis of the extended construct chain, this essay also considers ancient translations and evidence from Neo–Assyrian administrative texts. I consider how the Neo–Assyrian administrative apparatus, which included The King’s Magnates, may offer a conceptual model for understanding the identity and function of theנַעֲרֵי֙ שָׂרֵ֣י הַמְּדִינֹ֔ות. I propose that this group is best understood as “junior governors of the provinces,” and their presence in the narrative appears linked to a larger historiographic agenda.

DOI

10.7252/Journal.02.2022F.11

Recommended Citation

Schreiner, David B. (2022) "Breaking the Siege: Examining the נַעֲרֵי֙ שָׂרֵ֣י הַמְּדִינֹ֔ות in 1 Kgs 20," The Asbury Theological Journal: Vol. 77: No. 2, p. 377-399.
Available at: https://place.asburyseminary.edu/asburyjournal/vol77/iss2/12