A Blameworthy Burial: A Methodology for Inner-Biblical Allusion with a Case Study from Chronicles

Abstract

King Asa’s funeral description is the longest in the book of Chronicles and unique in the number of specific details it includes. Scholars generally see Asa’s funeral in 2 Chron. 16.14 in a positive light despite the negative tone of the preceding verses. Certainly, Chronicles is not afraid to portray a Judean king in both positive and negative terms (e.g., Manasseh). However, using an adapted synchronic and diachronic methodology for assessing inner-biblical connections, this study identifies and evaluates the shared language found in Exod. 30.25, 1 Chron. 9.30, and 2 Chron. 16.14. The study reveals a recurrent allusion that is both 1) an indication that post-exilic temple workers followed the Torah and 2) an indictment against using a special anointing oil for honoring the dead instead of honoring God.