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Document Details :

Title: On Two Types of Prophets in the Book of Chronicles
Author(s): AMAR, Itzhak
Journal: Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses
Volume: 98    Issue: 4   Date: 2022   
Pages: 525-551
DOI: 10.2143/ETL.98.4.3291111

Abstract :
There are two stories in the narrative section about David in the Book of Chronicles that present David in a negative light (1 Chronicles 17; 21), and in both cases, an encounter between David and a prophet (Nathan or Gad) is described. In the present article, I will show that these two stories describe the appearances of the two prophets before David, each carrying a different message, according to specific patterns: Nathan functions as a preventive prophet, whereas Gad functions as a guiding prophet. These two patterns are found in the book in connection with additional kings the reigns of whom are divided into two periods – a bad one and a good one. The multiplicity of periods, of course, also creates a multiplicity of prophets, but despite their prominent presence in the book, it seems that the Chronicler no longer viewed them as a measure of correcting people’s ways.

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