1 Kings 2:1–9, the So-called Installation Genre, and Egyptian Royal Instruction

Abstract This article considers D. J. McCarthy’s proposed installation genre and Egyptian instruction texts as interpretive frameworks for 1 Kgs 2:1–9. After examining the salient features of McCarthy’s proposal, this article considers the degree to which his biblical argument enjoys comparative support as many commentators invoke his proposed genre alongside Egyptian instruction texts to explain 1 Kgs 2:1–9. Egyptian royal instruction texts, such as the Instruction to Merikare and the Instruction of Amenemhet, display a concern for a king’s instruction to his successor. It is determined that while the literary relationship between McCarthy’s proposed installation genre and Egyptian instruction, or even royal instruction, requires further study, Merikare and Amenemhet clarify important poetic and functional features of 1 Kgs 2:1–9. In particular, the biblical text shares a concern for ideologically inspired exhortations as well as actions stimulated by the outgoing king’s historical reflections. The juxtaposition of practical exhortation with a set of reflections stemming from the king’s personal history evident in the Egyptian texts clarify what has traditionally been understood as an awkward, even a morally compromising, apposition. Ultimately, 1 Kgs 2:1–9 can be better understood as an Israelite example of royal instruction.