The David-Benjaminites Episodes (2 Sam 16:1–14; 19:16–31): The Conflict between the Golah Community and the Benjaminites

Abstract

Abstract In this article, we first argue that the David-Benjaminites episodes (2 Sam 16:1–14 and 19:16–31) can be read in the Persian conflict context based on “exclusive inclusivity.” Second, we examine the validity of reading the episodes together and demonstrate their textual combination through inclusio. Third, we analyze the literary and historical implications of the three different Benjaminites’ changing actions toward David and, conversely, David and Abishai’s dialog about them. Fourth, we propose that the various aspects of the three Saulide characters’ reactions to David reflect the Benjaminites’ changing actions in the postexilic period and that the reactions of David and Abishai give us insights to comprehensively understand the two symbolic types of the Golah community’s responses toward the Benjaminites. Consequently, the David-Benjaminites episodes signal the complex aspects of the Persian Yehud Judean’s internal struggles and their strategies to resolve the ideological issues.