Evil spirit (רוח-רעה) from the LORD? Exegesis of 1 Samuel 16:14-23

Abstract

1Sam 16:14–23 is a crux interpretum due to the fact that the evil spirit comes from the Lord. This penomenon is a rather unusual one in the Hebrew Bible, moreover, its grammatical features are also unique and isolated. The text’s statement – i.e. the evil spirit’s tormenting activity is directed by God – raises a serious theological issue abour the nature of good and evil and their relationship. In order that to understand this theological issue, it is necessary th apply a thorough exegetical approach tot he given text. The relevance of the topic is rather urging in the western civilization since the enlightenment and the Freudian, Jungian pcychoanalytic shifts questioned the possibility of demonic harassment and possession altogether. The aim of the study is to collect complex exegetical and biblical theological knowledge about the topic and nature of demonic possession in the Hebrew Bible in order that the thought of the topic could once again transcend the realms of taboo, superstition and sensational horror-fiction.