The Apology of Hazael: A Literary and Historical Analysis of the Tel Dan Inscription

Suriano provides literary analysis of the Tel Dan Inscription's (TDI) language and script in relation to Old Aramaic, during the Iron Age, as well as the inscription's significance for the historical study of the Hebrew Bible in general and the Israelite kingdoms in particular. His analysis of the inscription's literary structure is in light of recent studies of apologetic literature, particularly the apology of Hazael, preserved in the TDI, that reflects his efforts to consolidate control over Aramean tribal groups in order to transform Aram-Damascus into a patrimonial kingdom. The creation of autobiographical apologies typically occurred in one of two different stages of a political career: at the inception of the claimant's reign or at the time of appointing his heir.