The Achan/Achor traditions: The parody of Saul as "Achan" in 1 Samuel 14:24-15:35

TLDR: In this paper, the authors show that the narrator of 1 Sam 14:24-15:35 employs the popular Achan traditions in his scathing polemics against the Saulides, and leaves literary clues within the text itself that point to his representation of Saul as Achan.

Abstract: Within the cultic memory of ancient Israel, Achan is traditionally conceived as the villain par excellence, who according to the Dtr, took from the ~rx ban and brought about a decisive military defeat for Israel. By drawing salient parallels between Achan and Saul, the narrator of 1 Sam 14:24–15:35 employs the popular Achan traditions in his scathing polemics against the Saulides. Consequently, the narrator leaves literary clues within the text itself that point to his representation of Saul as Achan, and subtly reveal the “parodic intent” of these materials. Unfortunately, past studies have not fully engaged the “parodic” nature of this pericope, and hence have largely failed to note its narrative significance. A INTRODUCTION Parody is an important literary technique and its powerful effect lies primarily in its humorous and critical spirit. 2 This is readily seen in some of