Hebrew Corner 6: "God's Own Heart" by John H. Walton

In previous entries we have noted how a word used in combination with other words must be studied in that combination, not just as an individual unit. A good example of this is found in our study of 1 Samuel 13:14, where the NIV reads, “The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart.” The translation is nearly identical in the NLT, NASB, God’s Word, NRSV and ESV. The issue is not the translation, but the interpretation. This statement is often understood as a comment on David’s spiritual devotion or piety. As such, it often raises troubling questions, such as, “How could such a godly and devout man possibly commit some of the crimes recorded of David” (adultery, conspiracy to murder, mass murders as a Philistine mercenary, etc.)?

When we look into this Hebrew phrase, however, we will find that it points us in a different interpretive direction. Rather than indicating David’s spirituality it indicates the fact that David meets God’s criteria for kingship. He is a man of God’s choice. This stands in immediate contrast to Saul who met the criteria that were established by the people.

How do we know that the interpretation should go this direction?

By other uses of similar phrasing. One should particularly note the usage of Jeremiah 3:15, but also Psalm 20:4 (Hebrew, v.3). In addition we would find that this is standard rhetoric in the ancient Near East as a reference to covenant alignment when a king replaces a rebellious vassal with one who will be more compliant and cooperative. Likewise Mesopotamian gods such as Enlil and Shamash are said to install kings of their own choosing using a similar phrase. (Commentaries offering more information include K. McCarter’s Anchor commentary on 1 Samuel and the forthcoming Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary on the Old Testament.

Finally it should be said that this interpretation does not eliminate every aspect of David’s loyalty to Yahweh. Indeed, his loyalty and alignment are the most likely criteria referred to. But that should be differentiated from our common understandings of piety, devotion and spiritual maturity. It is our careful study of Hebrew usage—supported by background information—that helps us to arrive at this interpretation.

John H. Walton (PhD, Hebrew Union College) teaches Old Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including Chronological and Background Charts of the Old Testament and the forthcoming A Survey of the Old Testament (Third Edition).

Comments

[preacherman]

I am currently teaching Hebrews on Sunday mornings. I found this to be real helpful. I am also looking forward to reading what other have to say. God bless you and this ministry.

[Irving Salzman]

As usual, another great post. But if I may be so bold as to introduce contrary evidence (and I hate to do this because I hate being contrary!), Dt. 20:8 uses the exact same expression - kilvavo - and there the condition of the heart seems to be the focus. In other words, the fainthearted warrior was to be sent back home so that the condition of his heart - namely, fear - didn't rub off on his fellow soldiers. Criteria or choice doesn't seem to be the issue there; condition does.

[John Walton]

Good lexical detective work. The pertinent collocation, however, involves not just the same word, but also the nature of the verbs that are used. In this case Deut 20:8 is a totally different category of verb than 1 Sam 13:14 (bqs), Jer 3:15 (ntn) and Ps 20:4 (ntn, Hebrew v.5 [not v.3 as stated in post]). I would contend that this would make a difference in the sense.

[Irving Salzman]

Thanks so much for your response, Dr. Walton! Collocation obviously affects our understanding of the individual parts and words involved (as you, in fact, stated in your original post). Something else of interest to note vis-a-vis the verses you cited featuring verbs that favor understanding the term "after the heart" as connoting agenda or criteria is that, in each case, God is the subject of those verbs.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank you so much for being a regular contributor to these blogs. Your posts have been extremely interesting and helpful. And I am honored that you have responded to my questions. (I have so many questions that I would love to ask you on a wide variety of subjects, but I will restrain myself. I know that you are busy)

If I could throw out one thing by way of suggestion for a future post, I would love to get your take on the best software out there to conduct complex lexical, syntactical, and grammatical searches. I use BibleWorks mostly; I love BibleWorks. I use Libronix secondarily for the library and commentaries available in it. I'm told by friends that complex language work can also be done with Libronix/Logos, though I've not yet learned how to do so. And I also have Mac buddies who swear by Accordance. At any rate, if you would ever consider doing a future post on software engines and packages, including the "how-to's" of language study with the same, I would be ever so appreciative and grateful. Hesed VeShalom.

[Pat]

I agree with you and believe this passage still points out to us the fact that what God looks for in people is often much different than what we look for. During an election season, this passage should give us pause.

[John Walton]

In response to Mr. Salzman's request, I am afraid that I am not much help with all of the Bible software programs. I still use the books instead of electronics. Even-Shoshan's Concordance and then just raw work in the Hebrew text are my basic tools along with all of the reference grammars, lexica (particularly Clines, Dictionary of Classical Hebrew), and word study tools.

[Irving Salzman]

Thanks, Dr. Walton. I don't think I've ever seen Clines. I'll have to look for that one. Thanks for the recommendation. And thanks again for all the great, stimulating, and very helpful posts!