Bibliography
| Title: The Cisjordanian altar(s) and their associated rites according to Josephus Secondary Title: ByZ Volume: 41 Pages: 192-211 Type: Journal Article Year: 1997 Abstract: in: AnPh 68 (1997), 231: "Zur Verwendung der Quellen in Ant. 4,305-308 und 5,96-70".
Ruiten, J.T.A.G.M. van in: JSJ 29.2 (1998), 210-11: "Examination of Josephus' version of Deut. 27 and Josh. 8:30-35 in Antiquitates Judaicae 4.305-308 and 5.69-70. The investigation involves a comparison between the Josephan material and its biblical parallels in Deuteronomy and/or Joshua as attested by MT, Samaritan Pentateuch, the Qumran fragment of Josh. 8:30-35, the LXX and the Targums. Also relevant post-biblical materials as the "Samaritan Chronicle No. II", the Mishna Tractate Sotah 7, and the Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum 212.7-10 of Pseudo-Philo are taken into account. The evidence appears too meager to draw definite conclusions as to which text-form(s) of the two biblical passages Josephus had available. However there is evidence that Josephus was familiar with a range of traditions that have found entry into a number of other (later) post-biblical writings. As far as the "re-writing techniques" are concerned, B. notes that Josephus situates his parallels to both texts in a context other than the biblical one. Specifically, his rendition of Deut. 27 comes after a sequence consisting of material drawn from Deut 28; 32; 31: 25:17-19 and itself precedes an adaptation of Deut. 29 + 13. Similarly, the Josephan form of Josh. 8:30-35 follows upon his reproduction of the source's entire conquest account of Josh. 1-12. Josephus' omissions and condensations of the data of both source tests include, e.g., the stones, distinct from those of the altar, the names of the tribes making up the two groups into which Moses divides up the people, the wording of the twelve curses prescribed b< Moses, Joshua's reading of "all the word of law" and mention of the presence of the ark for the proceedings at the mountains. Josephus expands its data with amplifications, e.g., the orientation of the altar to be erected, emanation of the two clerical orders alongside the lay tribes, the extended blessing sequent paralleling the source's curse, Moses' recording of the blessings and curses and his reason for doing so, etc. Josephus also make modifications of the sources, e.g., Moses' directives are to come into force only once the Canaanites have been completely exterminated rather than "on the day you pass over the Jordan"; an alternative site for the erection of the altar is specified; the name "Ebal" is translated as boule, and has all twelve tribes both pronounce and respond to first the blessings and then the curses, etc. Result of Josephus' rewriting is a more historically plausible dating for the prescribed fulfillment of Moses' directives, a generally "streamlined" account of both command and execution. Some amplifications, however, reflect Josephus' special interest, but are not in agreement with each other". Roth, Wolfgang in: OTA 21.1 (1998), 126: "Detailed analysis of Ant. 4.305-308 and 5.20,68-70 in relation to Deut 27:1-27 and Jos 8:30-55 and in light of parallel textual witnesses, notably the Samaritan Pentateuch, 4QJosa, LXX and Targums. Conclusion: Josephus' rewriting techniques lead to "a generally 'streamlined' account of both [altar] command and [its] execution" as well as to "some characteristic amplifications reflective of Josephus' special interests". Josephus' coverage of the topic of the building of altar(s) in what in his time were Samaritan locations serves to demonstrate the Israelites' conformity with Mosaic ordinances, though it is qualified By Josephus ' (Biblically unparalleled) stipulation that the altar of Joshua 9 be used for sacrifice only one, i.e., upon completion of the conquest". Keywords: Antiquities |