Elements of Ancient Jewish Nationalism [Hardcover]

David Goodblatt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 2006

Contrary to the widespread view that nationalism is a modern phenomenon, Goodblatt argues that it can be found in the ancient world. He argues that concepts of nationalism compatible with contemporary social scientific theories can be documented in the ancient sources from the Mediterranean Rim by the middle of the last millennium BCE. In particular, the collective identity asserted by the Jews in antiquity fits contemporary definitions of nationalism. After the theoretical discussion in the opening chapter, the author examines several factors constitutive of ancient Jewish nationalism. He shows how this identity was socially constructed by such means as the mass dissemination of biblical literature, retention of the Hebrew language, and through the priestly caste. The author also discusses each of the names used to express Jewish national identity: Israel, Judah and Zion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"David Goodblatt has written a masterful and often engrossing treatment of an all too neglected topic. The book stands as a major contribution not only to our understanding of ancient Jewish nationalism but to the field of nationalism studies as a whole." - Aviel Roshwald, Georgetown University

"It is satisfying to find a scholarly treatment that brings clarity to thorny topics such as ethnicity and nationalism." - Jewish Book World

"...(T)his book belongs in the library of every scholar who studies Hebrew literature and the Second Temple period..."
Honora Howell Chapman, Hebrew Studies Journal

"David Boodblatt has made an important contribution to the study of Jewish nationalism in the Second Temple period both in the areas of method and information. No doubt the volume will be useful for specialists in Second Temple Judaism as well as the NT." --Joel Willitts, North Park University: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

Book Description

Goodblatt argues that concepts of nationalism compatible with contemporary social scientific theories can be documented in the ancient sources from the Mediterranean Rim by the middle of the last millennium BCE. In particular, the collective identity asserted by the Jews in antiquity fits contemporary definitions of nationalism.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 276 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (September 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521862027
• ISBN-13: 978-0521862028
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,483,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A Handy Survey of Names and Definitions, August 4, 2009

By 

Eric Maroney (Trumansburg, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elements of Ancient Jewish Nationalism (Hardcover)

Goodblatt's Elements of Ancient Jewish Nationalism lays down a convincing case that something like modern nationalism existed in antiquity, and for his study, during the time period of Second Temple Judaism, the Bar Kochba Revolt, and during the time of the Hasmonean state. Perhaps the most elucidating part of Goodblatt's work is his fine analysis of the different names for different forms of Jewish nationalism: Israel Nationalism, Judah Nationalism, and Zion Nationalism. Goodblatt defines these terms well, explains them in an historical context, and shows how shifting nomenclature represented a change in Jewish national consciousness.