Louis H. Feldman Livres

The present volume, consisting of 35 studies of various portions of Josephus' "Jewish Antiquities," is an attempt to examine the oldest systematic commentary on the historical books of the Bible that has come down to us. It considers how Josephus resolves apparent contradictions, obscurities, and theological and other questions, as well as the historicity of biblical events, which have puzzled classical commentators on the Bible. It attempts to explain cases, notably Ahab, Hezekiah, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah, where Josephus seems to change the biblical text radically. Included are Josephus' interpretations of several phrophets, women and non-Jewish leaders. All of these studies have previously appeared in print over a period of almost three decades in 34 different publications. However, they have been edited, corrected, and updated in many ways.

This volume consists of 23 essays that have appeared in 19 different journals and other publications during a period of over 40 years, together with an introduction. The essays deal primarily with the relations between Jews and non-Jews during the period from Alexander the Great to the end of the Roman Empire, in five areas: Josephus; Judaism and Christianity; Latin literature and the Jews; the Romans in Rabbinic literature; and other studies in Hellenistic Judaism. The topics include a programmatic essay comparing Hebraism and Hellenism, pro-Jewish intimations in Apion and in Tacitus, the influence of Josephus on Cotton Mather, Philo's view on music, the relationship between pagan and Christian anti-Semitism, observations on rabbinic reaction to Roman rule, and new light from inscriptions and papyri on Diaspora synagogues.

Feldman explores the complex dynamics between Jews and non-Jews during the Hellenistic-Roman period, challenging the notion of widespread animosity. He examines how Judaism attracted numerous followers, including proselytes and sympathizers, by analyzing attitudes from Alexander the Great to the fifth century A.D. His findings highlight the positive responses Judaism received and the robust presence of Jews in the ancient world. The development of the Talmud further strengthened Jewish identity, with Diaspora Jews embracing Hellenism while those in Israel resisted its influence.

Feldman’s analysis of Philo's De Vita Mosis reveals a nuanced portrayal of Moses, crafted as a response to Hellenistic critiques of Judaism. By employing rabbinic sources, he highlights both parallels and distinctions between Philo's depiction and rabbinic literature. The work presents Moses as a divine and heroic figure, emphasizing his virtuous life and miraculous events in a way that addresses Hellenistic skepticism. Feldman’s study underscores Moses' uniqueness among ancient lawgivers, showcasing Philo's effort to reconcile Jewish tradition with Hellenistic thought.

This volume offers a state-of-the-art collection of papers by leading scholars on Josephus' Contra Apionem , together with a concordance to the Latin section, 2.52-113.

Frontmatter -- Table of Contents -- 1 Introduction: General -- 2. Bibliography -- 3. The Text -- 4. Translations into Modem Languages -- 5. The Latin and Syriac Versions -- 6. The Slavonic Version -- 7. Josippon -- 8. Josephus’ Life -- 9. General Accounts of Josephus -- 10. Josephus’ Paraphrase of the Bible -- 11. Josephus as Historian of the Post-Biblical Period (until 63 B.C.E.): General Issues -- 12. Josephus as Historian of the Post-Biblical Period: Specific Events -- 13. Josephus as Historian of the Roman Period (from Pompey until Herod) -- 14. Herod -- 15. The Period after Herod until the Outbreak of the War against the Romans -- 16. The War against the Romans -- 17. Special Problems in Connection with Josephus’ Works -- 18. Josephus’ Sources -- 19. Josephus’ Views on the Jewish Religion -- 20. Josephus’ Views on Halakhah (Jewish Law) -- 21. Religious Movements: The Samaritans -- 22. The Pharisees and Divergent Jewish Sects -- 23. Christianity -- 24. Proselytes and ‘Sympathizers’ -- 25. Josephus and Archaeology -- 26. Vocabulary and Style -- 27. Josephus’ Influence until the Twentieth Century -- 28. Josephus’ Influence on Modern Contemporary Literature -- 29. Desiderata -- Addenda -- Indices -- Backmatter