God as Kingly Foil in 3 Maccabees

Updated by: 
Neta Rozenblit
Research notes: 
NR\Reader checked\09/12/2014
Reference type: 
Journal Article
Author(s): 
Bacchi, Ashley
year: 
2014
Full title: 

God as Kingly Foil in 3 Maccabees

Journal / Book Title || Series Title: 
Zutot
Volume: 
11
Issue / Series Volume: 
1
Publisher: 
Brill
Pages: 
57-69
Work type: 
Essay/Monograph
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.

URL: 
http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/docserver/journals/18750214/11/1/18750214_011_01_s008_text.html?expires=1418134443&id=id&accname=id22663117&checksum=5A71C0F99549A406A6A567177824D6DE
Label: 
29/12/2014
Record number: 
99 438