Temple Propaganda - The Purpose and Character of 2 Maccabees

This work first addresses the unity of 2 Maccabees, arguing that the epitome is a unified piece, separate from the prefixed letters. The author then explores the syntax and style of the epitome, noting rhetorical features and arguing that the work uses a nicety of syntax associated with classical, literary writers. The analysis of the narrative reveals a three-fold structure: a) 2 Maccabees 3 - the attack of Heliodorus; b) 2 Macc 4:1 - 10:9 - the profanation of the temple and its purification; c) 2 Macc 10:10 - 15:36 - the defense of the temple. Besides the theme of the defense of the temple, this analysis also revealed the theme defending the Jews against attacks that they are anti-social. Finally, the author explores the epitome in relation to Hellenistic historiography. He argues against the notion that the epitome of 2 Maccabees belongs to the genre of 'pathetic history, ' and instead demonstrates that the work belongs to the sub-genre of the defense of a temple by its god.

Info autore

Robert Doran is Samuel Williston Professor of Greek and Hebrew, Amherst College.

Dettagli sul prodotto

• Autori: Robert Doran
• Editore: Catholic Biblical Association of America
• Lingue: Inglese
• Formato: Tascabile
• Pubblicazione: 23.07.1981
• EAN: 9780915170111
• ISBN: 978-0-915170-11-1
• Pagine: 126
• Peso: 204 g
• Serie: Catholic Biblical Quarterly; Catholic Biblical Quarterly; Catholic Biblical Quarterly Monograph Series
• Categorie: Saggistica > Filosofia, religione > Altro; Scienze umane, arte, musica > Religione / teologia > Cristianesimo