Honor and Shame in 1 Samuel 1-7

<p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>For many cultures throughout history honor and shame have been foundational concepts for understanding and evaluating reality. In this study of the first seven chapters of 1 Samuel Dr. Bin Kang establishes that ancient Israel was such a culture. Utilizing social-scientific criticism and careful linguistic analysis Kang explores the honor/shame framework as an interpretive lens for reading the Old Testament specifically the Eli/Samuel and Saul/David episodes and the rich thematic threads that such a reading brings to light. He demonstrates the narrator's intentional juxtaposition of honor and shame at the beginning of Samuel's narrative and its role in establishing a system of judgement for evaluating Israel's leaders throughout the rest of 1 and 2 Samuel. Ultimately it is the choice to render right honor to God - or to claim it for oneself - that determines the rise and fall election or rejection of both priests and kings.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>While making an important contribution to Old Testament scholarship Kang also includes practical implications for the church in contemporary honor/shame cultures especially in Asia.</span></p>