The Twofold Literary Structure of the Chronistic David Narrative (1 Chr 11-29)*

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article deals with the Structure of the Chronistic David narrative in Chronicles (1 Chr 11-29). I seek to demonstrate a structural para-digm that arranges the Chronistic David narrative into two concurrent literary structures: a pyramid and a chiasm. Each structure expresses a different cen-tral objective, encompassing most of the narrative’s components. The pyra-mid structure reflects the process leading up to the construction of the Temple and culminates in chapter 28 with David’s ceremonious transferal of the Temple plans to Solomon. The chiastic structure revolves around the question of the Temple builder’s identity. Until chapter 17, David is characterized as a figure worthy of building the Temple. Nathan’s oracle in chapter 17 marks the narrative’s turning point: David rejected from building the Temple. From chapter 18 on the Chronicler seeks to justify David’s rejection, to temper Da-vid’s rejection and to create a smoother transition between the David narra-tive and the Solomon narrative.