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Biblical scholars are used to dividing up the book of Judges into two
different types of material: editorial framework and ancient traditions.
Try to test their hypothesis.
Pick a story about any judge. Try to identify the editorial work. (It
should resemble the, editorial writing for each of the other judges.)
What do you think is the purpose of the editorial work?
Now look at the story itself, with the editorial work removed. Does it
have a different feeling or sensibility than the editorial work? If so,
how would you account for the different tone?
What is the reason for preserving the original story? Is this the same
reason that the editorial writer wants to emphasize?
Are we justified in thinking that there are two levels of tradition?
Remember that the Bible is your principal source of evidence. Read it
carefully. Refer to it in your arguments. Quote it to establish your position!
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