Wise King, Royal Fool: Semiotics, Satire and Proverbs 1-9 (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780567080936)

This study focuses on a reading of Proverbs 1-9 as satire and argues that it alludes to two points of critique against Solomon: his political policy of socio-economic injustice and his numerous sexual (in)discretions. That Solomon abandoned his divinely proscribed duty only evinces his lack of "fear of Yahweh". First, Solomon demonstrates his lack of discernment by an inability to rule with righteousness, justice and equity because of administrative policies that bled the innocent dry of their resources for his own self-aggrandizement. Second, Solomon's sexual behavior reflects his need of Wisdom as the personification of eroticism.

The absence of the "fear of Yahweh" in Solomon prompts the poet's reproof in Proverbs 1-9 that he should resume his proper role of Torah meditation. How the "son" responds to the decision posed to him remains decidedly open-ended, since satire generally offers no denouement to its plot. Nevertheless, the signs of this satiric poetry intimate the wise king as a royal fool.

Author: Johnny Miles
ISBN-10: 0567080935
ISBN-13: 9780567080936
Publisher: T&T Clark
Language: English
Published: 06/01/2004
Pages: 134
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.74lbs
Size: 9.44h x 6.30w x 0.66d