Sex, Honor, and Power in the Deuteronomistic History

In this original work, Stone studies the structure and social presuppositions of several narratives from the Deuteronomistic History in which sexual activity plays a significant role. Both narratological and anthropological tools are utilized in the textual analysis. Stone interestingly notes the link between sexual activity, gender and prestige structures; the emphasis on male contest and female chastity discussed by anthropologists of honour and shame; and the role of the exchange of women in relations between men. In each story, sexual practice is primarily related to male struggles for honour and power.

Ken Stone is Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible at Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois. A Lambda Literary Award winner, he is author of Sex, Honor and Power in the Deuteronomistic History (Sheffield) and editor of Queer Commentary and the Hebrew Bible (Sheffield/Pilgrim).