Haoles, Locals, and the Big Kahuna

I have spent several weeks attempting to make some sense of the nature of ancient history of the prophets. Seeing the invasions move across a whiteboard in a counterclockwise motion brought meaning to the purpose of the prophets. Finally I was able to put two and two together: the prophets were commentators, orators, messengers, criers and guardians of the people who would suffer attack, loss of lands, homes, family and possessions, time after time, oppressor after oppressor. These prophets helped to interpret what was to happen, why, by whom and how. As such, they seem to me to be comforters. Understanding why a tragedy happens somehow makes it easier to accept, even if you do not accept the causer's motivation of the action.

I suppose this is why I find some ease (finally) in the DtrH history. Like Poland, the territories of Israel expand, shrink, expand, move, return, unsettle and resettle. Isaiah's concerns about the identity of the people make much more sense now. Humans tend to nest and find identity in place. For example, Stephen Fry recently completed a travel documentary entitled Fry in America during which he toured America sharing his British perspective. After a brutally cold hunting expedition for bowhead whales with the Inuits in the most northern part of Alaska, Fry concluded his mini series in Hawaii where he met a man who was a long term ancestral local and resident of Kaua'i as well as a world renowned champion surfer named Titus Kinimaka. They discuss development and haole tourism, and when asked if he considers himself "American", Titus responds, "I am Hawaiian". He speaks not with resentment but with reverence to his heritage which could very easily be pushed out by eminent domain in his lifetime.

The Israelites were a people who laid divine claim to their land, somewhat (but likely without divine compact) like Titus and his family lay claim to theirs. It is no surprise that Isaiah is worried about them getting too cushy in Babylon. Those who treated the Exile as resettlement would find new identity in place. They needed a reminder of their covenant, purpose and home.

Understanding this makes understanding previous eras much more simple. The centralization of worship of the Yahwehists to protect them from the potential Assyrian onslaught may not have been simply a matter of protection. It may have proved to have several uses including an attempt to solidify a "national" identity before the anticipated "punishment" as well as a way to ensure that Yahweh was being worshiped in an appropriate way that would be pleasing to God and not bring further punishment upon their heads.

I can only imagine the sense of desperation Josiah could have felt having this knowledge and being able to only do so much within his earthly confines. Much like Jeremiah, I can imagine him feeling as if he wanted to scream, "Listen to me! The day of the Lord will come! Join us here, worship Him properly, give him due honor! Turn from your sinful ways! Obey the Great Commandment! There are consequences for your actions!!!" Additionally, you can imagine him saying, "Golden calves, really?" The sin of Jeroboam would bring ruin to his people and there wasn't much else he could do about it. Give the Big Hahuna the worship he deserves or we're all going to suffer!

I wonder what others see and feel in Kings. The stories are so rich! I mean honestly, apart from the Lady of the Lake, where else do we see metal float in the written word other than in 2Kings 6:1-7?

By the way, had I read Coogan's chapter on Kings before the last exam I would probably have been much further along in my understanding. I am not sure one can truly appreciate the prophets without having studied the United Monarchy first. It is a matter of context in significance - if one does not understand the significance, the context is jumbled. No wonder I ate it. The lip of the gnarly bomb really axed me. I totally barnwalled the line. Let us hope next time I ride the party wave without a serious wipe out.

For surfing lessons with world champion surfer Titus Kinimaka, visit trykauai.com.