Proistemic genius leads strategically from stage to stage, including the final stage of the take-over and hand-over to the new leader. In the history of the Kings of Israel, this is illustrated in the hand-over of leadership from Saul to David at Ein Gedi in 1 Sam 24:16-22. Here we have the genius of the proistemi in Saul, recognising another genius, albeit a non-proistemic archetype (of the eleeos) who is having a hard time accepting his own redundancy. In the moment of this realisation, Saul weeps. He finally has come to an end of his tenure and the weight is too much to bear. But God is faithful to allow his eyes to see the future king, his protegé. This respect is a distinctive mark of the proistemic archetype that seeks to cover nakedness so as not to violate ministerial ethics: “touch not the Lord’s anointed” as David writes later upon reflection of this historical shift from one rule to the next. Later reminiscent of this incident at the stronghold of Ein Gedi, David reflects: “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm” Psalm 105:15).

<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/70e4561f-8426-41f2-b538-a8b30a3d5e48/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213553.jpg" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/70e4561f-8426-41f2-b538-a8b30a3d5e48/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213553.jpg" width="40px" /> ** “So it was, when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 17 Then he said to David: “You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil. 18 And you have shown this day how you have dealt well with me; for when the Lord delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. 19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him get away safely? Therefore may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. 20 And now I know indeed that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. 21 Therefore swear now to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s house.” So David swore to Saul. And Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold (Ein Gedi).

The Bible Comes To Life - En Gedi

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