Theopolitics in the Davidic monarchal system - A pilot study

Abstract

Albeit the nomenclature theopolitics appears to be new to Old Testament studies, it has been and it is still being used extensively under other appellations. It is the postulate of this article that in the sphere of the historiography of Old Testament monarchical politics, the dialectic essence of theopolitics is unmistakable, namely the combination of two theoretically contradictory elements: the spiritual and the mundane aspects of human existence. In this article the claim in 2 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 34 that Josiah was a king like no other - including the adored David - will be examined. It will be argued that Josiah was indeed unlike any other Davidite, because he lacked the courage to act independently and autonomously. He was a king like no other, because he was no king at all, only a puppet par excellence.