Bibliography
| Title: Josephus' Portrait of Joshua Secondary Title: HThR Volume: 82 Pages: 351-376 Type: Journal Article Year: 1989 Abstract: "In order to antagonize his Roman hosts, Josephus omits references to the divine order to take possession of the land".
"On Josephus' aims: the qualities of a leader; demythologizing and avoidance of theological difficulties in Josephus' narrative; political overtones; dramatic and romantic motifs".
"Josephus portrayed Joshua as the ideal statesman, possessing wisdom, courage, temperance, justice, and piety. He presented Joshua as a prophet and the Jewish equivalent of Pericles, with emphasis on his intelligence, ability to persuade and check crowds, and pragmatism. He also employed his account of Joshua to answer the charges of Jew-baiters. Whereas the rabbis portrayed Joshua as a student of Tora, Josephus emphasized Joshua's pragmatic leadership (especially in war) and avoided undue exaggeration in portraying Joshua's military achievements". - D.J.H. Keywords: Antiquities |