The Jewish War: Book 7

[cahn]

The last book!

Last week: Astrological phenomena and the star of Bethlehem. Messianic (?) prophecy about Vespasian. Brutality of the siege, and discussion of the law of war protecting prisoners from the enemy army (or lack thereof). Imperator.

This week: Book 7. Wrapping up of the war. The Masada fortress and group suicide (which I think is interesting to think about given the discussion we had a few books back). The temple of Onias. (Dedicated commment threads for both of these below, for anyone who wants to join in!)

Yay book club, thank you everyone!

Comments

Re: Eleazar's speech praising suicide

[cenozoicsynapsid]

The introduction said that there might have been a more Jewish-targeted edition in Aramaic, but that there's no manuscript evidence that it existed. Given the extent of the diaspora communities described, there would probably have been Jews who preferred to read it in Greek, though.

Re: Eleazar's speech praising suicide

[cahn]

*nods* excellent, thanks!