
Zadok's Heirs
The Role and Development of the High Priesthood in Ancient Israel
Deborah W. Rooke(Author)
Clarendon Press
Published on 9. March 2000
Book
Hardback
404 pages
978-0-19-826998-4 (ISBN)
Description
This unique study is the first systematic examination to be undertaken of the high priesthood in ancient Israel, from the earliest local chief priests in the pre-monarchic period down to the Hasmonaean priest-kings in the first century BCE. Dr Rooke argues that, contrary to received scholarly opinion, the high priesthood was fundamentally a religious office which in and of itself bestowed no civil responsibilities upon its holders, and that not until the time of the Maccabean revolt does the high priest appear as the sole figure of leadership for the nation. However, even the Maccabean / Hasmonaean high priesthood was effectively a reversion to the monarchic model of sacral kingship which had existed several centuries earlier in the pre-exilic period, rather than being an extension of the powers of the high priesthood itself. The idea that high priesthood per se bestowed the power to rule should therefore be reconsidered.
Reviews / Votes
A timely reminder that traditional methods of scholarship have much to offer ... This mature work well repays a careful reading * Journal for the Study of the Old Testament *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Oxford University Press
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
699 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-826998-4 (9780198269984)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
08/2012
1st Edition
Oxford University Press
€88.04
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Author
Research Fellow in Bible and Music, Oxford Centre for Christianity and Culture, Regent's Park College, University of Oxford