Description
Book SynopsisMatthew 1-2 and the Virginal Conception examines early Palestinian and Hellenistic Jewish accounts of the birth of Israel's first redeemer, Moses. The author shows how these accounts provide the background of Mary's "virginal conception" of Jesus, Israel's final redeemer, in Matthew 1-2.
Trade ReviewAs ever with Aus, there are always plenty of new things for the reader to learn, especially with his typically impressive array of rabbinic interpretations…Ultimately, there are few scholars who can match Aus's proficiency in both rabbinic sources and the NT texts, coupled with a genuinely critical attitude…Is it really worth the risk for historically and literary minded scholars to ignore Aus's profound expertise in such areas any longer? * Review of Biblical Literature *
Perhaps the most systematic presentation available of all the possible connections between the [Matthean story and elements of haggadic midrash about the birth of Moses]. -- Wayne Meeks, Yale University * Review of Biblical Literature *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: The Septuagint; Ezekiel the Tragedian; Jubilees; Philo; Pseudo-Philo; Josephus; The Midrashim Chapter 2 Flight to Egypt Because of Mortal Danger, and Return from there at the Death of the Persecutor Chapter 3 Astrologers' Announcement to the King of the Birth of Israel's Savior, and the King's Dread Chapter 4 Search for the Newborn Child in Order to Destroy It, Up to the Age of Two, and Jer 31:15: Searching For; Destroying/Killing the Future Deliverer; Children Two Years and Under in the Region of Bethlehem: Children Two Years and Younger; The "Region Chapter 5 Mary, Miriam and the Holy Spirit, and the Infants Jesus and Moses as Future Saviors: Mary and Miriam; The Holy Spirit and Mary/Miriam; Mary and Jochebed to Bear the Savior of Israel Chapter 6 The Marriages of Joseph and Mary, and Amram and Jochebed: Joseph and Amram: Taking a Wife; Divorcing One's Fiancée/Wife; Being Righteous; Divine Assurance to Joseph and Amram in a Dream; Taking One's Wife Back; Quietly; Apparent Illegitimacy; Chapter 7 Summary Chapter 8 Other Parallels to the Virginal Conception from the History of Religions; Judaic Allegations of Jesus' Illegitimacy; Haggadah and the Historicity of the Virginal Conception Chapter 9 An Ecumenical Epilogue Chapter 10 Sources and References Works Chapter 11 About the Author Chapter 12 Index of Modern Authors
