Jason Staples – The Idea of Israel in Second Temple Judaism
Dec 30, 2023
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Jason Staples, Speaker on concepts of Israel, Judaism, and Jewishness in Second Temple period, discusses the distinction between Israel and Jews, the diversity of Israelite identity, Paul's view of Israel and inclusion of Gentiles, and an upcoming book's potential contribution.
Israel in Second Temple Judaism includes but is not limited to Jews, as depicted in ancient texts.
The distinction between Jew and Israelite in Second Temple Jewish literature challenges commonly held interpretations and sheds light on various texts.
Deep dives
Israel and the Restoration in Second Temple Judaism
In the podcast episode, the guest, Jason Staples, discusses his book 'The Idea of Israel in Second Temple Judaism'. The main focus of the book is the distinction between Israel and Jews during the Second Temple period. Staples argues that Israel includes but is not limited to Jews. He explores how ancient texts such as Josephus, Ezra-Nehemiah, First Maccabees, and others depict the restoration and expectations of a reunited and redeemed Israel. Staples also mentions his upcoming book on Israel in Paul's letters, where he argues that Paul understood Gentile inclusion in the restored Israel as a fulfillment of the promises to the dispersed tribes of Israel.
Reexamining Interpretations of Jewish Terminology
Staples challenges the commonly held interpretation that terms like Jew, Israelite, and Hebrew are synonymous in Second Temple Jewish literature. He highlights the writing of K.G. Kuhn, who argued that Jew was an outsider term used by outsiders, while Israelite was the preferred insider term. Staples critiques Kuhn's argument and emphasizes that there is no ancient evidence to support the derogatory connotation of Jew during that time. He suggests a connection between the distinction of Israel as a larger category and Jews as a subset derived from the southern kingdom of Judah. This new understanding sheds light on various texts, including Josephus and the Samaritan claims of Israelite identity.
The Mismatch Between Expectations and Historical Reality
Staples examines how historical events, such as the return from Babylonian exile and the Hasmonean Kingdom, challenged the expectation of a complete restoration of Israel. He analyzes the book of Ezra-Nehemiah, revealing that only two tribes returned in reality, pointing to the absence of the rest of Israel. Staples argues that the language used in these texts, such as Ephraim becoming the fullness of the nations, indicates a broader understanding of Israel beyond the Jewish ethnic identity. He suggests that the failure to achieve a full restoration led to the inclusion of Gentiles in the restored Israel, as seen in Paul's writings.
Paul's Perspective on the Restoration of Israel
Staples mentions his upcoming book on Israel in Paul's letters, where he explores Paul's understanding of Gentile inclusion in the restored Israel. He argues that Paul draws from the prophetic tradition, referencing God's promises to Israel and their subsequent scattering among the nations. Staples proposes that Paul sees the inclusion of Gentiles as the resurrection of Israel, with Gentiles becoming part of the restored 12 tribe community. He connects this understanding to Paul's references to all Israel being saved and the fullness of the nations in his writings. By considering Gentiles as part of Israel's restoration, Staples reveals a unique perspective on Paul's theology.
Episode: Lynn Cohick speaks with Jason Staples about concepts of Israel, Judaism, and Jewishness that emerged in the Second Temple period, and their implications for understanding the early Judaism. Staples […]
