Just like biblical criticisms paint Jezebel as a malevolent queen, narrative analysis of 1 Kings portrays her husband, King Ahab, as a wicked, Godless ruler. In The Construction of a King Jerome Walsh provides an articulate and thorough portrait of King Ahab based on contemporary biblical and non-biblical historical documents. By interfacing narrative analysis and redaction criticism, Walsh points out inconsistencies and anachronisms in what is known about King Ahab and Israel. While verifiable historical information implies a positive depiction of King Ahab, Walsh suggests the Deuteronomist, in order to further his own theological agenda, adapted available traditions in 1 Kings to create a negative image of Ahab.
