The book of Judges sometimes seems very distant to us, as it depicts a dark and violent, chaotic and dangerous time, preceding the establishment of royalty in Israel. We readily pass over this kind of episode! However, a careful reading of these stories highlights their nuances and their topicality – in particular with the help of narrative analysis, a modern tool that allows us to acquire some keys to interpreting these ancient texts.
By paying attention to the literary dimension of the text, the reader will be struck by the narrative games, full of rhythm and irony. This is particularly visible in chapter 4, where the traditional roles are displaced, questioned: who, of the prophetess Deborah, of General Barak or of the foreigner Yael, deserves the title of savior in Israel? Who does God use to rescue his people? This question resonates with all the more force because the story is disturbing: what to think of those whom the people look up to as heroes? How to understand their actions and their motivations?
Far from being primitive or crude, this fascinating story is full of clues about men and women who resemble us and join us in our human reality, with its ups and downs – a reality in which, fortunately, the generous action of the God who saves is inserted.
ISBN: 9782755003390