Divine Mandate and Dynastic Mechanism: Succession Protocol in the Kings from David to Amaziah

“Divine Mandate and Dynastic Mechanism:
Succession Protocol in the Kings of Judah from David to Amaziah ”
The transition of royal power in the kingdom of Judah from David to Amaziah reflects a complex interplay of divine selection, dynastic legitimacy, and political pragmatism. This paper proposes a critical examination of the succession protocol among the Davidic kings, engaging with the biblical narrative as preserved in 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles. The study aims to elucidate the mechanisms—both theological and socio-political—that governed royal succession in Judah, and to assess how these mechanisms are variously portrayed and interpreted across the Deuteronomistic and Chronicler’s historiographies.
While the historical books often frame succession in terms of divine approval or disapproval, the Chronicler foregrounds cultic fidelity and covenantal continuity. This divergence offers a productive lens through which to assess not only the historical contingencies of each reign but also the evolving ideological constructs of kingship in Israelite thought. The proposed paper will focus on seven kings—David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Amaziah—analyzing the textual presentations of their accessions and the legitimizing strategies employed in each case.
Particular attention will be given to the transitional moments: David’s transfer of power to Solomon amid court intrigue (1 Kings 1–2), Rehoboam’s contested enthronement and the resulting schism (1 Kgs 12; 2 Chr 10), and the narrative of Amaziah’s rise following the assassination of his father Joash (2 Kgs 12:20–21; 2 Chr 24:25–27). These episodes will be examined for patterns of divine intervention, prophetic mediation, popular acclamation, and institutional inheritance, all of which play roles of varying prominence in determining legitimate succession.
Ultimately, this study contends that the succession protocols in Judah cannot be reduced to a singular legal or dynastic formula but instead reflect a dynamic negotiation between divine will, dynastic continuity, and political contingency. By juxtaposing the accounts in Samuel-Kings and Chronicles, the paper will highlight how theological convictions and historiographical aims shape the memory and legitimacy of kings. This approach not only enriches our understanding of Judahite royal ideology but also contributes to broader discussions on the intersection of religion and politics in biblical historiography.

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