The Triumph of Irony in the Book of Judges
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Overview
The Triumph of Irony in the Book of Judges focuses on the literary quality of the book of Judges. Klein extrapolates the theme of irony in the book of Judges, seeking to prove that it is the main structural element. She points out how this literary device adds to the overall meaning and tone of the book, and what it reveals about the culture of the time. Chronologically divided into sections, Klein explores the narrative and commentates on the literary properties throughout—plot, character development, and resolution, as well as the main theme of irony.
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- Includes bibliography and indexes to guide research and study
- Focuses on the literary quality of the book of Judges
- Excellent resource for students and professors
- Helpful notes and introductions throughout
- Completely interactive with your Logos library
Top Highlights
“All narrative develops around a protagonist. I propose the protagonist of the book of Judges is the people—the potential nation—of Israel, each judge symbolizing an aspect of Israel, a weakness, a particular quality which leads to the narrative consequences of that episode and contributes to the resolution of the book.” (Pages 17–18)
“Judah immediately establishes a battle pact with his brother Simeon. Thus, from the outset, Israel exerts self-determination, evidencing automatic trust in human perception.” (Page 23)
“The three paradigms warrant comparison. The ‘major’ judge paradigm posits a Yahwist ideal for the occupation of the promised land. The ‘minor’ judge paradigm states bare, implicitly negative facts about a judge figure. The ‘resolution’ paradigm is pessimistic, and a full statement of this paradigm concludes the book.” (Page 15)
“The narrative of Caleb, Othniel and Achsah suggests a standard or example of the potential of Israel to ask for land and receive it, and to be fruitful, if only Israel fulfill the condition of her covenant with Yahweh.” (Page 26)
“So long as a judge represents Yahweh and is obedient to Yahweh, there is no conflict. But when this link fails, when human perception elevates power over ethic, conflict ensues.” (Page 18)
- Title: The Triumph of Irony in the Book of Judges
- Author: Lillian R. Klein
- Publisher: Sheffield Academic Press
- Publication Date: 2003
- Pages: 264
Lillian R. Klein (1923-1997) received her Ph.D. in English literature from University of California, Irvine Campus, and her M.S.B.A. from Boston University. She taught literature—specializing in Bible—at the University of Maryland, Munich Campus, for twenty years before returning to the United States to teach at American University.
Reviews
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Larry Craig
11/14/2025
is this a Bible commentary or a monograph? as often is the case, the sample pages don't show the body of the book but introductory matters.
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