Conflict & Resolution in the Early Prophets

The Bible is filled with characters, even heroic ones, who seem to fall short of the mark. David, Joshua, and Elijah are some of the characters that appear to blatantly break Torah law. In some cases their apparent sins are not even recorded as violations. However even in cases where the biblical text withholds criticism, the Rabbis were acutely aware of these apparent failings. In some cases, the Rabbis were courageously open about criticizing the heroes of the Bible, claiming that their sins led to various punishments. In other cases, the Rabbis fiercely fought to acquit the biblical characters from any wrongdoing. In Conflict & Resolution in the Early Prophets, Rabbi Allen Schwartz compiles, categorizes, and explains over 100 violations in the Bible, focusing on the books of Joshua, Judges, and Samuel. In each case, he explains the parameters of the biblical law, and shows how the Rabbis addressed those violations. In many cases, multiple responses, some favorable and some condemnatory, are presented side by side. Rabbi Schwartz’s style reveals the interplay between traditional and modern Bible interpretation, while providing a unique window into the minds of the Rabbis of the Talmud and Middle Ages.