| Within an integrative, macrosociological framework of the political economy of the ancient agrarian state as provided by political and economic anthropology, this study incorporates sociohistorical, archaeological, textual, and ideological insights into an analysis of class differentiation and power in eighth-century BCE Israel and Judah.; The study proposes that local/regional functionaries attempted to operate independently from the state structure and ideology, utilizing their privileged position and social power for their own advantage and to the disadvantage of the populace. The study suggests that the social class differentiation which existed during the eighth century BCE was not simply in terms of anonymous, amorphous economically wealthy and poor classes. Rather a much more complex situation reflecting the misappropriation and exploitation of power within the legitimate political-economic structure of the state was in existence.; The study begins by examining the phenomena of class differentiation and power within the context of the agrarian state's political-economic structure of relationships of reciprocity and mutual obligation. This movement concludes by exploring the political-economic role of the state ideology and its role in socio-ideological conflict.; The study proceeds to explore the political economy of eighth-century BCE Israel and Judah. After considering the sociohistorical context of the eighth century BCE, the study examines archaeological factors, including patterns of settlement, layout of various sites, luxury items, and indications of economic development. The political-economic nature and role of the state ideology are also considered.; The study concludes with an analysis of selected texts from Amos, Isaiah, and Micah. As attention is given to the addressees of the oracles (secondary state functionaries), the political-economic situation articulated by the oracles (exploitation of legitimate state power), and the context within which the oracles are spoken (Yahwistic state ideology), the study proposes that the prophets are concerned with a form of political-economic class differentiation in which legitimate power was exploited for personal advantage and against members of the ruled populace. |
