Bibliography
| Title: Abimelech, King of Sechem According to Josephus Secondary Title: EThL Volume: 72 Pages: 146-164 Type: Journal Article Year: 1996 Abstract: Martínez, F. García in: JSJ 28.2 (1997), 218: "In this study I purpose to investigate Josephus' retelling of the Abimelech story in Antiquitates Judaicae 5.233-253 in comparison with its Biblical source as exemplified by the following major witnesses: MT, the Codices Alexandrinus and Vaticanus and the Lucianic, plus Targum Jonathan to the Former Prophets. I undertake this comparative study with the following questions in mind: Which text-form(s) of Judges 9 did Josephus utilize in composing his own Abimelech story? [pas de conclusion précise] How and why has he modified the data of the source narrative? [abréviation substantielle de l'histoire, avec quelques petites additions, changement de l' ordre de ses sources et modification d' expressions] What is the overall, cumulative effect of his various modifications upon Josephus' version of the Abimelech episode vis-à-vis the Biblical one? [renforcement des traits négatifs de Abimelech qui devient ainsi le type de l'ennemi de Josèphe, Jean de Gyscala, et "hellénisation" de l'histoire pour la faire plus accessible aux lecteurs grecs]".
Corely, Jeremy in: OTA 20.1 (1997), 132: "B.'s article investigates Ant. 5.233-253, in which Josephus retells the biblical story of Abimelech (Judg 8:29-9:57). B. examines Josephus' narrative in five sections: (1) Abimelech introduced; (2) Jotham's address; (3) the Shechemites vs. Abimelech; (4) Abimelech's vengeance; (5) Abimelech's death. Josephus' retelling emphasizes the evil energy of Abimelech, who thus appears as a "type" of the author's contemporary, John of Gischala. Moreover, Josephus has Hellenized the narrative by avoiding obscure Palestinian place names, replacing the mention of God by reference to impersonal posers (e.g., "misfortune" or "righteous doom"), heightening drama and pathos, and using Greek political terms such as "tyranny" and "citizens"". Keywords: Antiquities |