Making Men: The Male Coming-of-Age Theme in the Hebrew Bible

In Making Men, Stephen M. Wilson identifies and elaborates on a theme in the Hebrew Bible that has largely gone unnoticed by scholars: the transition of a male adolescent from boyhood to manhood. Beyond identifying the coming-of-age theme in different biblical texts, the project also describes how the theme is employed by biblical narrators and redactors to highlight broader messages and transitions in various historical narratives. It also considers how these stories provide insight into the varying representations of biblical masculinity. Five case studies of male coming-of-age are identified: David in 1 Samuel 17; Solomon in 1 Kings 1-2; an alternative tale of Solomon's maturation in 1 Kings 3; Moses in Exodus 2; and Samuel in 1 Samuel 3. Additionally, two narratives showing the failure to transition to manhood are considered: the story of Jether in Judges 8, and Samson in Judges 13-16. In each case study, the narrator's techniques for highlighting the maturation theme are identified, as are the ways that the narrator employs the theme point to other significant plot points or narrative transitions. These seven case studies are also compared based on the image of masculinity that they present. Two narratives--those of Samuel's and Solomon's maturations--depart from the standard image, each in the same way: both depict a masculinity free of violence and the need for the constant, forceful defense of manhood and honor. Since these two texts have often been ascribed to the same author, the Deuteronomistic Historian, the study suggests that he may be offering a new view of masculinity more suited to his historical context.

Table of Contents:
Iintroduction: Masculinity Studies, Rites of Passage, and the Absence of an Extended Treatment of Male Coming of Age in Biblical Scholarship Chapter 1: The Defining Characteristics of Manhood in the Hebrew Bible Chapter 2: The Depiction of Boyhood in the Hebrew Bible Chapter 3: Moses and Samuel: Case Studies of Pre-Monarchic Maturation Chapter 4: David and Solomon: Case Studies of Royal Maturation Chapter 5: Failing To Come of Age in the Hebrew Bible Chapter 6: Conclusion Appendix: Are There Other Stories of Biblical Male Maturation?

About the Author :
Stephen M. Wilson received his doctorate from Duke University, where he specialized in social-scientific and literary readings of the Hebrew Bible. He has taught at Augustana College, Elon University, High Point University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Duke Divinity School, where he is currently a visiting assistant professor.

Review :
"[I]t is clear that Wilson's book makes a solid contribution to the broader, and still growing, field of studies in biblical masculinities as well as gender in the Hebrew Bible. The first section of the book is especially well suited to introduce students to the study of masculinity and the Bible, and his careful textual analyses throughout his case studies in the second part of the book may serve as models for further investigations into biblical masculinity - both hegemonic and alternative masculinities."--Gwynn Kessler, Biblical Interpretation "Stephen Wilson's study of coming of age stories in the Hebrew Bible is distinguished by methodological sophistication and literary sensitivity. His comparative and multidisciplinary approach leads to an original and thoughtful analysis of tales of biblical heroes as they relate to complex questions of culture and context. The book offers much to the scholar and to the general reader." --Susan Niditch, Samuel Green Professor of Religion, Amherst College "Wilson makes unseen processes and perceptions visible, and illumines scenes from the shadows of the Hebrew Bible's heroes... Wilson's study is significant for its analysis of how biblical masculinity is defined and redefined historically. To readers for whom biblical characters remain spiritual models and imaginary ancestors, Wilson's book is as enriching and delightful as hearing about a father's coming of age from aunts and uncles at a family reunion." --Gregory Mobley, author of The Empty Men: The Heroic Tradition of Ancient Israel "This erudite and incisive study of the male coming-of-age theme in the Hebrew Bible represents a coming of age of biblical masculinity studies themselves. The book is less an application of masculinity studies to a specific theme than a transformative extension of such studies into fundamental new terrain. Anyone interested in gender construction and gender performance in biblical texts will benefit from this impressive book." --Stephen D. Moore, Edmund S. Janes Professor of New Testament Studies, The Theological School, Drew University