God as Kingly Foil in 3 Maccabees

Full title
God as Kingly Foil in 3 Maccabees
Updated By
Research notes

NR\Reader checked\09/12/2014

Reference type
Author(s)
Bacchi, Ashley
Year
2014
Journal / Book Title || Series Title
Zutot
Volume
11
Issue / Series Volume
1
Publisher
Brill
Pages
57-69
Work type
Label
29/12/2014
Abstract

This essay re-evaluates the characterization and function of Ptolemy IV Philopator in 3 Maccabees. God’s role as kingly foil to Ptolemy allows for the propagation and maintenance of Egyptian Jewish identity and cultural practice while acknowledging the earthly social order. I argue the author makes a deliberate choice not to offer a consistent earthly advocate within the narrative while emphasizing God’s direct intervention. This choice can be contextualized as a response to works such as 1 and 2 Maccabees and Greek Esther, which advocate the formation of a nation through military campaigns.