The Jewish Appropriation of Hellenistic Historiography

Bibliographic Data

ID23684966
AuthorsGregory E Sterling (0000-0002-5357-3297, corresponding author)
Year2007
Pages213-224
Publication date2007-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeOTHER
VenueA Companion to Greek and Roman Historiography (JOURNAL)
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/9781405185110.ch19
OpenAlexW2755421591
ISBN9781405185110
LanguageEN
Citations received5

Jews began writing history at a relatively early date. One of the most impressive historical narratives from the ancient world is the “Succession Narrative” or “Court History of David” that relates Solomon's selection as David's successor. The account was probably written by a member of the royal court in the tenth century bce shortly after Solomon ascended the throne. While it offers an explanation for and defense of what was undoubtedly perceived by many to be an illegitimate succession, it did so with a sobriety unusual in the ancient world. Later Jewish historians created two long narratives based on this and a good number of other sources: the Deuteronomistic history (Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings), written first in the late seventh century and updated in the sixth century, and the Chronicler's history, written during the Persian period (1 & 2 Chronicles, and, more controversially, Ezra, and Nehemiah). Jews thus had a long tradition of historical writing before they had sustained encounters with Greeks.

Ancient history · Appropriation · Archaeology · Art · Deuteronomist · Genealogy · Greeks · Historiography · Judaism · Literature · Narrative · Period (music) · Politics · Successor cardinal · Throne · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · Classics · Historical and Linguistic Studies · History · Law · Philosophy

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