This volume provides the first full commentary to Book 11 of Josephus'
Judean Antiquities, with a new English translation. In
Antiquities 11 Josephus offers a retelling of the biblical narratives of Ezra-Nehemiah (
Ant. 11.1–183) and Esther (
Ant. 11.184–296), along with a brief post-biblical narrative dealing with late Persian-era Judea (
Ant. 11.297–347). The commentary interprets Josephus’ narrative in detail, identifying biblical, historical and literary considerations that arise from the text. Attention is given to manuscript variants, vocabulary, use of sources, parallel accounts, and Josephus' Jewish, Roman, and Greek historiographical contexts. The volume also contains an appendix on Alexander the Great’s visit to Jerusalem as related in non-Josephan sources.
Paul Spilsbury, Ph.D. (1994), University of Cambridge, is Academic Dean and Professor of New Testament at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. His previous publications include
Flavius Josephus: Translation and Commentary, Volume 5: Judean Antiquities 8–10 (with Christopher T. Begg).
Chris Seeman, Ph.D. (2002), University of California at Berkeley, is Associate Professor of Theology at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. His previous publications include
Rome and Judea in Transition (Lang, 2013).
CONTENTS
Preface and Acknowledgements
Abbreviations and Sigla
Introduction to Judean Antiquities 11.1–296
Introduction to Josephus’ Account of Ezra and Nehemiah
Antiquities 11.1–183 Translation and Commentary
Introduction to Josephus’ Account of Esther
Antiquities 11.184–296 Translation and Commentary
Introduction to Josephus’ Account of the Later Persian Period
Antiquities 11.297–347 Translation and Commentary
Appendix: Alexander in Jerusalem: The Extra-Josephan Traditions (Ory Amitay)
Bibliography
Index of Ancient Texts
Index of Ancient Persons and Places
Index of Modern Authors
Index of Greek Words
Index of Hebrew Words
Index of Aramaic Words
Index of Latin Words
Index of Persian Words
Scholars and students interested in ancient Jewish biblical history and interpretation, and anyone concerned with Judea in the Persian era and the Jewish encounter with Alexander the Great.