Viewing Samaritans Jewishly: Josephus, the Samaritans, and the Identification of Israel
In: Journal for the Study of JudaismSearch for other papers by Matthew Chalmers in
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Abstract
Josephus offers one of our most extensive sources for the study of ancient Judaism, and his treatment of the Samaritans is no exception. In this article, I synchronize attention to Josephus’ representations of Samaritans with the turn in Biblical Studies and Jewish Studies towards the contestation of ancient “Israel” throughout antiquity. First, I argue that we see more clearly how Josephus actively constructs Samaritan identity by comparison to shared contestation of Israelite genealogy and geography in the Martyrdom of Isaiah, 4 Baruch, Pseudo-Philo, and Megillat Taʿanit. Second, I suggest that such an approach develops an alternative way to write ancient Jewish history with Josephus, incorporating his work into discussions of ancient Jewish self-representation beyond the choice between historical reality check or self-sustaining rhetoric.
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Viewing Samaritans Jewishly: Josephus, the Samaritans, and the Identification of Israel
In: Journal for the Study of JudaismSearch for other papers by Matthew Chalmers in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
Josephus offers one of our most extensive sources for the study of ancient Judaism, and his treatment of the Samaritans is no exception. In this article, I synchronize attention to Josephus’ representations of Samaritans with the turn in Biblical Studies and Jewish Studies towards the contestation of ancient “Israel” throughout antiquity. First, I argue that we see more clearly how Josephus actively constructs Samaritan identity by comparison to shared contestation of Israelite genealogy and geography in the Martyrdom of Isaiah, 4 Baruch, Pseudo-Philo, and Megillat Taʿanit. Second, I suggest that such an approach develops an alternative way to write ancient Jewish history with Josephus, incorporating his work into discussions of ancient Jewish self-representation beyond the choice between historical reality check or self-sustaining rhetoric.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 1213 | 411 | 55 |
| Full Text Views | 213 | 10 | 1 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 434 | 34 | 1 |
