The thesis explores the question of how the contextual approach developed by William Hallo illuminates a text against its wider linguistic, cultural, and archaeological background. The case studies examine the depiction of King Omri in 1 Kgs 16:21–28 in the light of extra-biblical traditions concerning the house of Omri. The research illuminates the similarities and differences between various methodologies, especially the “grammatical-historical method” and “historical criticism.” The thesis shows how textual, cultural, and archaeological data may be synthesised within a “contextual” methodology. To achieve this goal Hallo’s own contextual methodology is examined and modified. A new articulation of this methodology is proposed as a fruitful way to move beyond simplistic methodological contrasts between text and history. Among the key findings, I argue that the theology of 1 Kgs 16:25–26 provides a different perspective on Omri from the more positive tradition in 1 Kgs 16:24 revealed by contextual research.
