Fragmentary Jewish Historians and Biblical History

This insightful work explores how Jewish historians of the Hellenistic period engaged with biblical texts, offering diverse interpretations and entertaining narratives in Fragmentary Jewish Historians and Biblical History.

In Fragmentary Jewish Historians and Biblical History, Erich Gruen presents a thorough examination of the Jewish historians from the Hellenistic period. This revised and extended version of the Felix Jacoby Kiel lecture delves into the fragmentary writings that have survived, revealing a remarkable breadth and diversity in their narratives. Gruen highlights how these historians approached biblical texts with a unique blend of playfulness and idiosyncrasy, aiming to situate Jewish traditions within a broader cultural framework.

The historians did not seek merely to clarify biblical narratives; instead, they provided compelling twists, alternative versions, and provocative variants that added layers of meaning to the original texts. Their interpretations were often entertaining, showcasing a creative engagement with Scripture that did not compromise its sacredness. Gruen's analysis sheds light on the motivations behind these historians’ works, suggesting that their primary goal was to enrich the understanding of Jewish identity in a multicultural context.

By examining the interplay between history and biblical tradition, Fragmentary Jewish Historians and Biblical History offers valuable insights into the ways Jewish historians navigated their cultural landscape. Gruen's study invites readers to appreciate the complexity of these historical narratives and their enduring significance in the study of Jewish history and biblical interpretation.