Die Sünden Israels und der Heiden Beobachtungen zu L.A.B. 25:9-13

L.A.B. 25:9-13 contains peculiar descriptions of the sins of Israel and the Pagans which allow to draw certain conclusions on the basic theological convictions of the author and his location within ancient Judaism. The different transgressions of the representatives of the tribes are in accordance as concerns their focus on planned and committed violations of the commandments of the Decalogue. Against the background of the catastrophe of the year 70 C.E., Ps-Philo’s conception of “sin” primarily aims at marking out boundaries which enable the Jewish righteous to organize live facing external contestation as well as internal deviation. This fundamental and binding ethical system provides for consolation and orientation thereby defining the theological conditions of the election and salvation of Israel.