The Beginning of Politics
The Beginning of Politics : Power in the Biblical Book of Samuel is a 2017 book by Moshe Halbertal and Stephen Holmes that examines the Biblical narrative from the Book of Samuel of the first two Kings of Israel - Saul and David - in light of political thought. It is considered to be a fusion between biblical studies and political science. The book details how politics and power shape the destinies of Saul and David, and how these events of three thousand years ago are similar to contemporary political events. The book also discusses revenge cultures as they pertain to the narrative. The book succeeds in conveying the ambivalence of the Bible towards authority.
Summary
Chapter one discovers the kings’ efforts to maintain power, portraying them as political figures. The book argues that since power easily turns into something that is desired for its own sake, people in power become obsessive about maintaining it.Chapter two discusses the paranoia which caused Saul to slaughter of the priests at Nob, and that caused David to murder Uriah.
Chapter three discusses dynastic monarchy by while presenting the rape of Tamar and the revolt of Absalom. The book argues that dynastic monarchy is fraught with self-defeating potential.
Chapter four discusses David's last words to his son Solomon, especially David’s order to kill Shimei, whom he had promised to save. The book argues that David's ability to balance moral and political goals shows that he was a master of balancing morality and manipulation.