Oracles of Insurrection: The Prophetic Catalyst of the Great Revolt

Updated by: 
Shlomi Efrati
Research notes: 
reader checked 04/08/2014 SE
Reference type: 
Journal Article
Author(s): 
Tomasino, Anthony J.
year: 
2008
Full title: 

Oracles of Insurrection: The Prophetic Catalyst of the Great Revolt

Journal / Book Title || Series Title: 
Journal of Jewish Studies
Volume: 
59
Issue / Series Volume: 
1
Pages: 
86-111
Work type: 
Essay/Monograph
Abstract: 

The role of prophecy in the Great Revolt of 66-74 CE has been much debated. In this study, it is argued that prophetic activity did not initiate the revolt, but contributed to its spread. An important piece of evidence in this debate is the so-called ‘ambiguous oracle’ that Josephus claims was crucial in inspiring the rebels to resistance. We consider here the rhetorical function of this oracle in Josephus’ account of the war, but conclude that there is no compelling reason to dismiss the prophecy as the historian’s own invention. We then consider how this oracle served the cause of the rebel leaders. Finally we turn to the thorny issue of the identity of the oracle. We systematically present a case that the weight of evidence favours identification of the oracle with Daniel 9:24-27: the ‘seventy weeks’ prophecy that was a source of much chronomessianic speculation.

Alternative title: 
JJS
Hebrew bible: 
Book: 
Daniel
Chapter(s): 
9
URL: 
http://jjs-online.net/toc.php?subaction=fullcontent&id=059_01_086_1&type=article&review=
Label: 
01/09/2008
Record number: 
10 780