Yahweh Versus Baalism: A Theological Reading of the Gideon-Abimelech Narrative

Abstract

This study attempts to describe the contribution of the Abimelech narrative for the \ntheology of Judges. It is claimed that the Gideon narrative and the Abimelech narrative \nneed to be viewed as one narrative that focuses on the demonstration of YHWH'S \nsuperiority over Baalism, and that the deliverance from the Midianites in the Gideon \nnarrative, Abimelech's kingship, and the theme of retribution in the Abimelech narrative \nserve as the tangible matter by which the abstract theological theme becomes narratable. \nThe introduction to the Gideon narrative, which focuses on Israel's idolatry in a \npreviously unparalleled way in Judges, anticipates a theological narrative to demonstrate \nthat YHWH is god. YHWH's prophet defines the general theological background and \ntheme for the narrative by accusing Israel of having abandoned YHWH despite his deeds \nin their history and having worshipped foreign gods instead. YHWH calls Gideon to \ndemolish the idolatrous objects of Baalism in response, so that Baalism becomes an \nexample of any idolatrous cult. Joash as the representative of Baalism specifies the \ndefined theme by proposing that whichever god demonstrates his divine power shall be \nrecognised as god. The following episodes of the battle against the Midianites contrast \nGideon's inadequate resources with his selfish attempt to be honoured for the victory, \nassign the victory to YHWH,w ho remains in control and who thus demonstrates his divine \npower, and show that Baal is not present in the narrative. Yet Gideon continues the battle \nagainst the Midianites on his own in the narrative complication, which culminates in \nGideon's establishment of idolatry, shows that YHWH is still in control, and sets the \nbackground for the Abimelech narrative. \nFollowing the introduction of Israel's idolatry, the focus of the Abimelech narrative \non Baal and Shechem defines them as examples of Israel's general idolatry. Abimelech is \ncrowned on a Baalist basis and becomes Baal's chief representative. The theological \ntheme is specified and its effect for the narrative outlined by Jotham as YHWH's \nrepresentative; Abimelech's success or failure as king will show Baal's power or absence. \nThe following episodes suggest that Baal is not present at all, that Baalism is a selfdestructive \nreligion, and that YHWH is in control of the mutual destruction of the Baal \nworshippers, who are nevertheless held accountable. \nBy the end of the Gideon-Abimelech narrative the narrator has demonstrated YHWH'S \nsupreme power to deliver Israel from their enemies, his permanent control over the \nevents, the inability of man to accomplish YHWH's work on their own, the absence of \nother gods, and the self-destructive force of idolatry. Therefore, YHWH is god and should \nbe worshipped as god.

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