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The Ideological Background of the Books of Chronicles

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapter Academicpeer-review

Abstract

This paper examines the purpose and provenance of the books of Chronicles. It is argued that these books are best understood as part of Hasmonean historiography aimed to legitimise the Hasmonean rulers as successors to the idealized Judaean kings David, Solomon, Hezekiah, but also Rehoboam, Jehoshaphat, Joash and Manasseh who are partly whitewashed of the sins attributed to them by the author of the books of Kings. The paper critically reexamines earlier arguments in favor of an earlier, Achaemenid or early Hellenistic date of Chronicles in order to show how the books of Chronicles aligns rather than precedes Hasmonean writings such as the Judaean history written by Eupolemus.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHistory, Prophecy, Identity and Language in the Hebrew Bible
Subtitle of host publicationPapers Read at the Eighteenth Joint Meeting of the Society for Old Testament Study and the Oudtestamentisch Werkgezelschap, Nottingham, 2022
Place of PublicationLeiden
PublisherBrill Academic Publishers
Chapter9
Pages170-212
Number of pages43
Volume84
ISBN (Electronic)978-90-04-74065-5
ISBN (Print)978-90-04-74064-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Feb 2026

Publication series

NameOudtestamentische studiën / Old Testament Studies
PublisherBrill Academic Publishers

Keywords

  • Chronicles
  • Hasmonean historiography

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