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The Semiotics of Covert Action in 1 Samuel 9—10

Department of Religious Studies, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275-0202, USA

Examining the semiotic patterns of the story of Saul's anointing in 1 Sam. 9.1—10.16, this article demonstrates that this narrative follows the conventions of `action fiction' genres. By providing multiple enigmatic details, whose import becomes clear only in ch. 13, the narrative keeps the audience in suspense and thus not only entertains it but also draws its attention to the fact that Israel's first king was inaugurated clandestinely, under Philistine military occupation. This interpretation affirms the literary integrity of 1 Sam. 9—12 and identifies it (together with chs. 13—15 and in contradistinction to ch. 8) as a Deuteronomistic contribution.

Key Words: 1 Samuel • Saul • Samuel • Deuteronomistic History • semiotics • suspense • action fiction

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