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Cited by 0Biblical Studies and InterpretationClassical Antiquity StudiesAncient Egypt and Archaeology

PROPHECIES AND PRINCESSES: MOSES IN EGYPT AND ETHIOPIA ACCORDING TO JOSEPHUS

Open access
Westwood, Ursula·2022·Akroterion
DOI 10.7445/67--1047
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Abstract

Josephus’ account of Moses’ birth and upbringing in the Jewish Antiquities includes much extra-biblical material, including an extended account of his military campaign in Ethiopia. This material has often been studied as independent episodes, particularly with a view to finding Josephus’ sources. By reading the preliminary stages of Moses’ life together, this article shows that Josephus’ narrative is well-integrated in its themes and structure, as well as revealing the historian’s core concerns about Moses’ perceived ethnicity and capacity to be a loyal member of a foreign court, both reflecting Josephus’ own writing context and immediate audience among the Greek speakers in Flavian Rome.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Ursula Westwood argues that Josephus’ extra-biblical Moses material in *Jewish Antiquities* is a tightly integrated narrative, not a set of isolated episodes, shaped by themes of prophecy, princesses, role reversal, and Moses’ dual loyalty to Hebrews and Egyptians. Josephus presents Moses as a Greco-Roman-style founding hero while insisting he was always known to be Hebrew and remained a loyal member of the Egyptian court until forced to flee.

Key findings

  • Reading Moses’ birth, discovery, and Ethiopian expedition together reveals a coherent structure: Josephus adds a prophecy delivered by sacred scribes (AJ 2.205), turns the midwives into Egyptian guards, and has Moses placed in the river for protection rather than exposure, increasing parallels with Romulus and other foundling heroes.
  • Moses’ identity is revealed at age three when he throws down Pharaoh’s diadem; a sacred scribe identifies him as the child God told them to kill (AJ 2.235), yet Moses remains heir and is later appointed general because the king values his foreknowledge and succession needs.
  • The Ethiopian expedition (AJ 2.238–253) repeats infancy themes through two named princesses: Thermouthis saves baby Moses, while Tharbis betrays Saba for Moses; Moses is called “the Hebrew” and “ally” (συμμάχος), defeats the Ethiopians, and is described as bringing them near enslavement, foreshadowing his future role as liberator of the Hebrews.
  • Josephus counters traditions that Moses was Egyptian or hostile to other nations by stressing Moses’ Hebrew identity and his willingness to serve Egypt before liberating his own people; the paper notes Redford’s list of 32 exposed-child examples and Josephus’ use of motifs from Romulus, Cyrus, Theseus, and Oedipus.

Methods

  • Close reading of Josephus’ *Jewish Antiquities* 2.201–253, with comparison to Exodus, Philo’s *Life of Moses*, and Greek and Roman legends such as Romulus and Remus, Cyrus, Theseus, and Oedipus.
  • The paper is organized in three parts: birth narrative, discovery/revelation of identity, and the Ethiopian expedition, focusing on precise motifs and themes rather than source provenance.
  • No empirical data or sample; the analysis is textual and literary, with attention to Josephus’ writing context in Flavian Rome and his Greek-speaking audience.

Limitations

  • The paper does not state a formal limitations section.
  • It acknowledges uncertainty about Josephus’ primary audience, calling it “a vexed one,” and notes that it is difficult to know what Josephus’ audience expected from the Moses story.
  • It also notes uncertainty about whether traditions such as Targum Pseudo-Jonathan were current in Josephus’ time; evident from the text, the argument relies on close reading and selected comparanda rather than reception evidence or resolution of the Ethiopian expedition’s source provenance.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.7445/67--1047

Cites

34 of 34 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 54 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingnone given

    In Josephus' account, the revelation of Moses' identity has no impact on his status as a trusted member of the Egyptian royal family.

    “a revelation which has no impact on his status as trusted member of the Egyptian royal family.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    Reading the birth and adoption narrative together with the Ethiopian expedition in light of parallels with Greek and Roman legends reveals a web of themes and literary motifs linking this second crisis point in Moses' life with the crises of his infancy.

    “Reading the texts together in light of the parallels with Greek and Roman legends mentioned above reveals a web of themes and literary motifs linking this second crisis point in Moses' life with the crises of his infancy.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingcitation

    Josephus introduces Moses as different from 'the other lawgivers' because of his commitment to truth over myth in his establishment of the Judaean constitution (AJ 1.16, 22).

    “He also introduces the legislator Moses as different from 'the other lawgivers' because of his commitment to truth over myth in his establishment of the Judaean constitution (1.16, 22).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites AJ 1.16

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites AJ 1.22

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Findingnone given

    Josephus' adaptations to his source material in the birth narrative tend to increase some parallels with Greco-Roman heroes while suppressing those that suggest hybridity in the identity of the hero.

    “showing that Josephus' adaptations to his source material tend to increase some parallels with Greco-Roman heroes while suppressing those that suggest hybridity in the identity of the hero.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    A close reading focusing on precise motifs and themes highlighted by Josephus reveals a more complex picture than merely an attempt to increase similarities to prove to a Greek audience that Moses is a familiar type of hero.

    “However, a methodology of close reading which focuses on the precise motifs and themes highlighted by Josephus, rather than the broad brushstrokes of the overall narrative, reveals a more complex picture than merely an attempt to ratchet up similarities for the sake of proving to a Greek audience that Moses is a familiar type of hero.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 40
  • May combine two claims. 75

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Findingown data

    Josephus' narrative of Moses' preliminary stages is well-integrated in its themes and structure.

    “By reading the preliminary stages of Moses' life together, this article shows that Josephus' narrative is well-integrated in its themes and structure”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Josephus' version of Moses' birth includes a prophecy, causing the story to fit more closely into Redford's second group, associated with a more sophisticated, dynastic milieu where succession is important.

    “Josephus' version includes a prophecy, causing the story to fit more closely into the second group, which Redford (1967:215) associates with 'a more sophisticated, dynastic milieu' where succession is an issue of great importance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Redford (1967:215) source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Josephus' account of Moses' birth and upbringing in the Jewish Antiquities includes much extra-biblical material, including an extended account of his military campaign in Ethiopia.

    “Josephus' account of Moses' birth and upbringing in the Jewish Antiquities includes much extra-biblical material, including an extended account of his military campaign in Ethiopia.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingreasoning

    Parallels with Romulus and Remus, Oedipus, Cyrus, or Theseus can be detected in Josephus' version.

    “That parallels with Romulus and Remus, Oedipus, Cyrus, or Theseus can be detected in Josephus' version is hardly surprising.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Josephus describes the birth of Moses as painless for his mother (AJ 2.218), contributing to the reader's awareness of the threatening environment in which she is giving birth.

    “Josephus goes on to describe the birth of Moses as painless for his mother (AJ 2.218), contributing to the reader's awareness of the threatening environment in which she is giving birth”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites AJ 2.218

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Josephus' Moses does not make Philo's choice; his Hebrew identity does not interfere with his status as heir to the Egyptian throne.

    “It is thus noteworthy that Josephus' Moses does not appear to make this choice.His Hebrew identity does not interfere with his status as the heir to the Egyptian throne.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    In Josephus, Thermouthis is struck by Moses' size and beauty, and instantly comes to love this foundling baby; the aorist tense makes clear this is an immediate reaction, a 'falling in love'.

    “She is struck by his size (μέγεθος) and beauty (κάλλος), and instantly comes to love this foundling baby (ὑπερηγάπησε): the aorist tense makes clear that we should understand this as an immediate reaction, a 'falling in love'.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Thermouthis intervenes by snatching the child back from her father, and the king hesitates, which Josephus attributes to divine intervention protecting Moses.

    “Thermouthis swiftly intervenes, snatching the child back from her father, and the king hesitates, which Josephus puts down to divine intervention, God protecting Moses once again, as he did when Moses was an infant.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The princess frames her decision as based on her father's succession problem and on the child's divine appearance and noble mind.

    “She frames her decision as based on consideration of her father's succession problem (ὡς φρονρίσειε διαδοχῆς) and on the child's divine appearance (μορφῇ τε θεῖον) and noble mind (φρονήματι γενναῖον)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In Josephus, when the king hears about the prophecy, he immediately orders both that new-born baby boys should be thrown into the Nile and that the midwives should keep watch on Hebrew women during their labour.

    “When the king hears about the prophecy, he immediately orders both that new-born baby boys should be thrown into the Nile, and that the midwives should keep watch on Hebrew women during their labour.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    In Moses' case, his mother manages to conceal his birth, and he is placed in the river for his own protection-this is the case by implication in Exodus, and explicitly so for Josephus.

    “In Moses' case, his mother manages to conceal his birth, and he is placed in the river for his own protection-this is the case by implication in Exodus, and explicitly so for Josephus.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    According to Josephus, the Egyptian princess takes Moses to her father and explains that, since she has no children, she intends to adopt him and make him the successor to her father's kingdom.

    “According to Josephus, the Egyptian princess takes Moses to her father, and explains that since she has no children, it is her intention to adopt him, and make him the successor to her father's kingdom”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    In Josephus' version, while the Egyptians' goal is to damage the prosperity of the Hebrew people, it is not stated that they wish to diminish their numbers.

    “while their goal is certainly to damage the prosperity of the Hebrew people, it is not stated that they wish to diminish their numbers.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In contrast to Exodus, Josephus insists not only that the basket was placed into the river itself, but also that it travelled.

    “In contrast, Josephus insists not only that the basket was placed into the river itself, but also that it travelled.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In Josephus' narrative, Moses leads the Egyptian army against an Ethiopian invasion, defeats and pursues them to the city of Saba, which he besieges.

    “Moses leads the Egyptian army in response to an invasion by the Ethiopians, defeating and pursuing them to the city of Saba, which he besieges.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    In Josephus' text, Moses is viewed from both sides in light of the prophecy, yet there is no acknowledgement of any conflict within the hero about his identity.

    “He is viewed from both sides in light of the prophecy, yet there is not acknowledgement in Josephus' text of any conflict within the hero about his identity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In Josephus' version, from the age of three Moses was both recognised as the prophesied child and incorporated into the Egyptian royal family as the king's successor.

    “But Josephus entirely subverts these expectations, insisting in his narrative that from the age of three, Moses was both recognised as the prophesied child and incorporated into the Egyptian royal family”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In Josephus' narrative, Moses' success leads to suspicion and envy, and soon after his return to Egypt he is forced to flee assassination (2.256).

    “His success leads only to suspicion and envy, and soon after his return to Egypt he is forced to flee assassination (2.256).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites 2.256

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Knowledge of Moses' identity is not limited to the court: the Hebrews watch his growth with hope and expectation, while the general Egyptian population feel suspicion.

    “Knowledge of Moses' identity is not limited to the court context: the Hebrews watch his growth with hope and expectation, while the general Egyptian population feel suspicion”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    At no point does Josephus suggest that there is anything humble about Moses' origins, nor even about the living standards of his parents.

    “At no point does Josephus suggest that there is anything humble about Moses' origins, nor even about the living standards of his parents.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In Josephus, Thermouthis demands that a woman be brought to breastfeed the baby, but Moses rejects each of the many wetnurses who try to feed him.

    “Thermouthis demands that a woman (γυναίον) be brought to breastfeed the baby, but Moses rejects each of the many wetnurses who try to feed him.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Upon seeing Moses' action, the sacred scribe leaps up with murderous intent and shouts that Moses is the child God had told them to kill.

    “Upon seeing Moses' action, the scribe leaps up with murderous intent, shouting as he does so that Moses is the child God had told them to kill”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Josephus does not acknowledge that Amram and Jochebed are Hebrew slaves-Amram is introduced as being one of the 'wellborn' (τῶν εὖ γεγονότων; AJ 2.210).

    “Of course, Josephus does not acknowledge that Amram and Jochebed are anything of the sort-Amram is introduced as being one of the 'wellborn' (τῶν εὖ γεγονότων; AJ 2.210).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites AJ 2.210

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    In Josephus' version, the king's actions, while extreme, are not merely in self-interest-in theory, the king is attempting to protect his people, not his own position.

    “the king's actions, while extreme, are not merely in self-interest-in theory, the king is attempting to protect his people, not his own position.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In the biblical narrative, Pharaoh's daughter pays for the services of Moses' mother as a wet-nurse; in Josephus' version no mention of payment is made, and she is 'asked' by the princess (δεηθείσης), and not ordered.

    “In the biblical narrative, Pharoah's daughter pays for the services of Moses' mother as a wet-nurse; in Josephus' version no mention of payment is made, and she is 'asked' by the princess (δεηθείσης), and not ordered.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ex. 2:9

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In Josephus' version, the Egyptians are described as feeling envy at the Hebrews' prosperity and wealth, which is the result of their capability for hard work, in contrast to the Egyptians' slackness.

    “Instead, the Egyptians are described as feeling envy at the Hebrews' prosperity (εὐδαιμονία) and wealth, which is the result of their capability for hard work (διὰ ... τὴν πρὸς τὸ πονεῖν εὐφυΐαν)-in contrast to the Egyptians' slackness (ῥᾳθύμοις πρὸς πόνους).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Josephus explains the king's failure to act against Moses by the king having no option for the succession and nobody else so able to serve Egyptian interests, since Moses had knowledge of the future.

    “Josephus attempts to explain the king's failure to act against Moses-he had no option for the succession, and in particular, there was nobody else so able to serve Egyptian interests, since Moses had knowledge of the future (τοῦ προειδέναι τὰ μέλλοντα).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Another similarity is that the child's father has a prophetic dream-Joseph is told in a dream to escape to Egypt (Mt.2:13), and Moses' father Amram dreams of his son's future greatness, giving him faith to protect the infant (AJ 2.212-217).

    “Another similarity lies in the fact that the child's father has a prophetic dream-Joseph is told in a dream to escape to Egypt (Mt.2:13), and Moses' father Amram dreams of his son's future greatness, and this gives him the faith to protect the infant when he is born (AJ 2.212-217).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Mt.2:13

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites AJ 2.212-217

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Moses' action in trampling the diadem is referred to as evidence, and his death is demanded both to end the fear of the Egyptians and to destroy the hopes of the Hebrew people.

    “Moses' action in trampling the diadem is referred to as evidence, and his death is demanded, not only to end the fear of the Egyptians, but also to destroy the hopes of the Hebrew people (AJ 2.235).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites AJ 2.235

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Josephus makes explicit the role reversal implicit in the biblical narrative, stating outright that Moses is nurtured by precisely those who had tried to destroy him: this is evidence of God's concern for him (AJ 2.225).

    “Josephus also makes explicit the role reversal that is implicit in the biblical narrative, stating outright that Moses is nurtured by precisely those who had tried to destroy him: this is evidence of God's concern for him (τοσαύτῃ ... ὁ θεὸς περὶ Μωυσῆν ἐχρήσατο σπουδῇ; AJ 2.225).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites AJ 2.225

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning

    That Moses is 'remarkably reared' is one of the key features of the story as Josephus tells it.

    “That Moses is 'remarkably reared' is one of the key features of the story as Josephus tells it.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In Josephus' story, Moses' remarkable appearance does not lead to any questions about his origins, and when his identity is revealed, it leads to no significant change in his circumstances.

    “His remarkable appearance does not lead to any questions about his origins, and, oddly, when his identity is revealed, it leads to no significant change in his circumstances.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning

    The adjustments and additions in Josephus' retelling of Moses' birth broaden the scope for comparison.

    “The adjustments and additions we find in Josephus' retelling of the story broaden the scope for comparison.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In Josephus, God enables Moses' mother to give birth silently in order to protect Moses, thus providing evidence that Moses is special, as per Amram's dream (AJ 2.218).

    “God enables her to give birth silently in order to protect Moses, thus also providing evidence that Moses is special, as per Amram's dream (AJ 2.218).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites AJ 2.218

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    The king places his diadem on Moses' head to please his daughter.

    “the king places his diadem upon Moses' head 'to please his daughter' (χάριν τῆς θυγατρὸς; AJ 2.233).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites AJ 2.233

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Moses pulls the crown off his own head, throws it to the ground, and stamps on it, which Josephus says seemed to be an omen for the kingdom.

    “Moses pulls the crown off his own head, throws it to the ground, and stamps on it.This, Josephus tells us, seemed to be an omen for the kingdom.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Josephus specifies not only that the midwives are Egyptian, but also that they obey the king's orders because of their ethnic connection to him (διὰ συγγένειαν).

    “More importantly, Josephus specifies not only that the midwives are Egyptian, but also that they obey the king's orders because of their ethnic connection to him (διὰ συγγένειαν).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    In Josephus' version, the king is not presented as the primary instigator of the cruel policy; culpability lies with the entire Egyptian population.

    “The king is not presented as the primary instigator of this cruel policy; instead, culpability lies with the entire Egyptian population”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Whereas Philo makes no reference to the basket, Josephus makes clear not only that it was safe and waterproof, but even that it was comfortable (AJ 2.220).

    “Whereas Philo makes no reference to the basket in which the baby is placed, Josephus makes clear not only that it was safe and waterproof, but even that it was comfortable (AJ 2.220: εἰς τὸ εὐρυχωρίας ἐνανοκεῖσθαι τὸ βρέφος)!”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites AJ 2.220

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Both princesses recognise Moses as a threat to their own people but still act impulsively out of love: Thermouthis by snatching him from the avenging sacred scribe; Tharbis by sending a secret offer of marriage in the midst of a siege.

    “Both recognise Moses as a threat to their own people, but still act impulsively out of love: Thermouthis by snatching him from the avenging sacred scribe; Tharbis by sending a secret offer of marriage in the midst of a siege.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Josephus says the Ethiopian story is meant to provide evidence both of Moses' virtue and of his future role as one who will bring the Egyptians low (AJ 2.238).

    “As Josephus tells us, the story is meant to provide evidence both of Moses' virtue (which as a narrative of military success, it straightforwardly does), and of his future role as one who will bring the Egyptians low (AJ 2.238).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites AJ 2.238

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Moses leads the army through the interior rather than by the Nile, a route infested with winged snakes, and combats the snakes by ordering soldiers to carry baskets containing ibises.

    “In the second part, Moses leads the army through the interior rather than by the Nile, a route which is infested with winged snakes.To combat this threat, Moses cleverly makes use of the natural predator of the snakes, the ibis, ordering the soldiers to carry baskets containing the birds.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Upon coming of age, Moses made his virtue obvious to the Egyptians, showing he had been born for the debasement of the Egyptians and the uplifting of the Hebrews.

    “Upon coming of age, Moses 'made his virtue obvious to the Egyptians' (φανερὰν τοῖς Αἰγυπτίοις τὴν ἀρετην ἐποίησε), showing that he had indeed been born 'for the debasement of the Egyptians and the uplifting of the Hebrews'”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    In connection with Moses' birth, there is a strong parallel in the role played by princesses: the Egyptian princess Thermouthis saves a Hebrew baby from the Nile in defiance of her father's edict, while Tharbis, the Ethiopian princess, betrays her father's city, leading to its capture.

    “In connection with Moses' birth, there is a strong parallel in the role played by princesses.The Egyptian princess Thermouthis saves a Hebrew baby from the Nile in defiance of her father's edict; Tharbis, the Ethiopian princess, betrays her father's city, leading to its capture.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Moses pursues the Ethiopians and besieges the capital, Saba; the city is captured when the Ethiopian king's daughter falls in love with Moses and agrees to betray her city if he promises to marry her.

    “Finally, Moses pursues them and besieges the capital, Saba.The city is eventually captured when the daughter of the Ethiopian king falls in love with Moses and agrees to betray her city if he promises to marry her.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The Ethiopians invade Egypt, capturing territory as far as Memphis, and the Egyptians, unable to fight them off, take to divination and are informed that they will need Moses' help.

    “First, the Ethiopians invade Egypt, capturing territory as far as Memphis.Unable to fight them off, the Egyptians take to divination and are informed that they will need Moses' help.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    After defeating the Ethiopians, Moses returns to Egypt, where envious Egyptians convince the king to have him assassinated; Moses learns of the plan and flees to Midian.

    “This he does, and with the Ethiopians firmly defeated, Moses returns to Egypt where the envious Egyptians convince the king to have him assassinated.Moses learns of the plan and flees to Midian.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In both cases, the princesses' love is based on sight: Thermouthis is struck by the beauty and size of the baby she sees in the river, and Tharbis watches Moses lead his army fighting nobly.

    “In both cases, this love is based on sight: Thermouthis is struck by the beauty and size (μεγέθους τε ἕνεκα καὶ κάλλους) of the baby she sees in the river; Tharbis watches Moses lead his army, fighting 'nobly' (γενναίως).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Moses agrees to become the Egyptians' general.

    “He agrees to become their general.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Both princesses are named, while their fathers remain the unnamed kings of Egypt and Ethiopia respectively.

    “Both princesses are named, while their fathers remain the unnamed kings of Egypt and Ethiopia respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Love for Moses the baby motivates Thermouthis; love for Moses the man drives Tharbis.

    “Love for Moses the baby motivates the one; the other is driven by love for Moses the man.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Josephus highlights Thermouthis' role in allowing Moses to lead the campaign: the king approaches his daughter, as Moses' mother, to ask her permission, which she gives only when he swears that Moses will not be hurt (AJ 2.242).

    “Josephus also chooses to highlight the role of Thermouthis in allowing Moses to lead the campaign: the king approaches his daughter, as Moses' mother, to ask her permission, which she gives only when he swears (implausibly) that Moses will not be hurt (AJ 2.242).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites AJ 2.242

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    This extra-biblical material has often been studied as independent episodes, particularly with a view to finding Josephus' sources.

    “This material has often been studied as independent episodes, particularly with a view to finding Josephus' sources.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The invitation to comparison is clear and particularly explicit when it comes to the figure of Moses.

    “The invitation to comparison is clear and particularly explicit when it comes to the figure of Moses.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Previous scholarship has tended to read the Ethiopian expedition in isolation, often interested in Josephus' relationship with his sources more than Josephus' own narrative.

    “Previous scholarship, often interested in Josephus' relationship with his sources more than Josephus' own narrative, has tended to read the Ethiopian expedition in isolation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Silver 1973 source
    • cites Rajak 1978 source
    • cites Runnalls 1983 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Redford (1967:212-217) listed 32 examples of the exposed-infant topos in Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern sources, categorising them into three types.

    “Redford (1967:212-217) listed 32 examples of the topos in Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern sources, categorising them into three types”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Redford (1967:212-217) source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The story of Moses in the Hebrew Bible contains numerous well-recognised parallels with figures of legend, including the foundling who escapes a murderous king as a baby only to overcome him fully as an adult.

    “The story of Moses as it appears in the Hebrew Bible itself contains numerous well-recognised parallels with figures of legend: the foundling who escapes a murderous king as a baby only to overcome him fully as an adult is a common trope, with numerous variations on the theme.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Radl 2011

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The parallel suggests that a story of Moses' birth similar to the one Josephus tells was known to the gospel writer, so that it became part of the scheme enabling him to present Jesus as the new Moses, despite the absence of the feature from the biblical account.

    “Nevertheless, the parallel suggests that a story of Moses' birth similar to the one Josephus tells was known to the gospel writer, so that it became part of the scheme which enables him to present Jesus as the new Moses, despite the absence of the feature from the biblical account.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In Josephus' version, not only is there motion, but the river is an active participant.

    “Not only is there motion, but the river is an active participant.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The heart of Josephus' change to the midwives is less about their ethnicity and more about their role: they are transformed from protectors standing between the king and the Hebrew babies into a threatening arm of the surveillance state focusing on mothers during pregnancy.

    “they do not get to the heart of the change, which is less about the ethnicity of the midwives, and rather about their role: they are transformed from protectors, standing between the king and the Hebrew babies, into a threatening arm of the surveillance state-one which focuses its attention not simply on the babies, but on their mothers during pregnancy.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    As a young man, Theseus proves his worth by lifting the large rock under which his father Aegeus had concealed his sword and sandals, thereby discovering who he really is-and therefore leaving his childhood home for Athens, where, despite his parentage, he is called an outsider and foreigner (Plut.Thes.13.1).

    “As a young man, he proves his worth by lifting the large rock under which his father Aegeus had concealed his sword and sandals, thereby discovering who he really is-and therefore leaving his childhood home for Athens, where, despite his parentage, he is called an outsider and foreigner (ἔπηλυς καὶ ξένος; Plut.Thes.13.1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Plut.Thes.13.1

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    It is usually assumed both by those retelling Moses' story and by commentators on the biblical narrative that Moses cannot have grown up safely in the Egyptian court with his Hebrew identity generally known.

    “It is usually assumed both by those retelling Moses' story and by commentators on the biblical narrative that Moses cannot have grown up safely in the Egyptian court with his Hebrew identity generally known.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Jackson 2012:76 source
    • cites Neufeld (1993:50)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Josephus' audience would perhaps have recognised in the process of Moses rejecting wetnurses simply a clever (divine?) orchestration of events which ensures that the child is ultimately cared for by his own mother.

    “such a prohibition might have seemed a little strange to Josephus' audience, who would perhaps have recognised in this process simply a clever (divine?) orchestration of events which ensures that the child is ultimately cared for by his own mother.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    While Romulus, Remus, and Cyrus are brought up in lowly (even servile) conditions when their parentage is in fact kingly, the opposite, in theory, is true of Moses: his parents are Hebrew slaves, yet he is brought up in a palace.

    “Yet it is worth noting that while Romulus, Remus, and Cyrus are brought up in lowly (even servile) conditions, when their parentage is in fact kingly, the opposite, in theory, is true of Moses: his parents are Hebrew slaves, yet he is brought up in a palace.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    It is therefore no surprise that the revelation of Moses' identity in Josephus' story looks rather different from the stories of Romulus, Cyrus, and Theseus.

    “It is therefore no surprise that the revelation of Moses' identity in Josephus' story looks rather different from the stories of Romulus, Cyrus, and Theseus.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Exodus, there is no specific threat to the king-the fear is rather that the Israelites may join with external enemies (Ex.1:10).

    “There is no specific threat to the king-the fear is rather that the Israelites may join with external enemies (Ex.1:10).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ex.1:10

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In the Exodus narrative, there is no strong sense of threat attached to the period of pregnancy, either for Israelite women in general or for Moses' mother in particular.

    “In the Exodus narrative, there is no strong sense of threat attached to the period of pregnancy, either for Israelite women in general, or for Moses' mother in particular.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Exodus

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Moses' mother escapes the notice of the 'guards' precisely because of the painless birth; these φύλακαι are best understood as the midwives who were ordered to 'guard' the Hebrew women.

    “She escapes the notice of the 'guards' precisely because of this (λαθούσης τοὺς φύλακας διὰ τῶν ὠδίνων ἐπιείκειαν): these φύλακαι are best understood as the midwives who were ordered to 'guard' (παραφυλάσσειν) the Hebrew women.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Even as Josephus militates against any notion that Moses was placed in the river as an act of infanticide, he adjusts several details of the Exodus story such that there are stronger parallels with mythical exposure narratives, especially those connected with Romulus.

    “It is worth observing that even as he militates against any notion that Moses was placed in the river as an act of infanticide, Josephus adjusts several details of the Exodus story such that there are stronger parallels with mythical exposure narratives, especially those connected with Romulus.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The transformation of the midwives from subversive protectors into a threatening arm of the surveillance state creates similarities with the carefully guarded princesses and priestesses of myths and legends.

    “The transformation of the midwives from subversive protectors into a threatening arm of the surveillance state creates similarities with the carefully guarded princesses and priestesses of myths and legends”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    There is no true 'abandonment' or 'exposure' in Josephus' story: Josephus retains control over the message he wishes his audience to receive about who Moses is.

    “There is no true 'abandonment' or 'exposure' in this story: Josephus retains control over the message he wishes his audience to receive about who Moses is”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Moses grows up unconflicted and loyal, as he proves when he is appointed leader of the Egyptian army during the war with Ethiopia.

    “Moses grows up unconflicted and loyalas he proves when he is appointed leader of the Egyptian army during the war with Ethiopia”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Brought before Astyges to answer for this outrage, Cyrus speaks eloquently in his own defence, and as he speaks, the king begins to recognise his own features in this apparent slave-child, and so interrogates Cyrus' 'father' leading to the discovery (Hdt.1.114-116).

    “Brought before Astyges to answer for this outrage, Cyrus speaks eloquently in his own defence, and as he speaks, the king begins to recognise his own features in this apparent slave-child, and so interrogates Cyrus' 'father' leading to the discovery (Hdt.1.114-116).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hdt.1.114-116

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Philo's version, Moses has a wonderful Greek education, surpasses his teachers, and as an adult turns towards his kinsmen and ancestry while remaining grateful to his adoptive Egyptian family.

    “In Philo's version of Moses' childhood and upbringing, he has a wonderful (and exemplary Greek) education, with teachers brought from all around the world to contribute (Philo Mos.1.26).30 The student swiftly surpasses his teachers.Yet, as Moses becomes an adult (at the 'highest point of human good fortune'), his thoughts turn towards the παιδεία of his kinsmen and ancestry, and while remaining gr”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Philo Mos.1.26

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Mos.1.32-33

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisereasoning

    Scholars have linked the Ethiopian story in Josephus, where no murder occurs, with the reference in Numbers 12:1 to Moses' 'Cushite' wife.

    “Scholars have linked the story as it appears in Josephus (where no murder occurs, even in self-defence), with the reference in Numbers 12:1 to Moses' 'Cushite' wife.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Numbers 12:1

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In Plutarch's Theseus, the Athenian hero grows up without knowledge of his father's identity.

    “In the Theseus, paired by Plutarch with the Romulus, the Athenian hero grows up without knowledge of his father's identity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Plutarch

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Theseus

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Cyrus, supposed to be the son of a cowherd, has his identity discovered when, as a ten-year-old, he is chosen as king during games with other children, and, as king, has a noble playmate beaten for failing to do as he had been told.

    “Cyrus, supposed to be the son of a cowherd, has his identity discovered when, as a ten-year-old, he is chosen as king during games with other children, and, as king, has a noble playmate beaten for failing to do as he had been told.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hdt.1.114-116

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    While Josephus suppresses parallels with the motif of abandonment as such, he encourages his audience to recognise similarities with the common versions of the story of Romulus with respect to the role played by the river.

    “Thus, while Josephus suppresses parallels with the motif of abandonment as such, he encourages his audience to recognise similarities with the common versions of the story of Romulus with respect to the role played by the river.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A core feature of Josephus' account, fully developed in the Ethiopian expedition, is the insistence on Moses' loyalty and commitment to the welfare of Egypt.

    “Yet it points to a core feature of Josephus' account, which will be fully developed in the account of the Ethiopian expedition.This is the insistence on Moses' loyalty and commitment to the welfare of Egypt.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Josephus' Moses is fully integrated both into the national hopes and expectations of the Hebrew people and into the royal Egyptian court, with no suggestion that knowledge of his true identity should lead to a break with his adoptive family.

    “His Moses is fully integrated, both into the national hopes and expectations of the Hebrew people, and into the royal Egyptian courtthere is no suggestion that knowledge of his true identity should lead to a break with his adoptive family”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    In Josephus, the act of putting Moses into the river is an act of faith and an act of protection.

    “The act of putting Moses into the river is thus an act of faith and an act of protection.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The story of Oedipus is a little different-his self-discovery reveals that he has already fulfilled his horrifying destiny, but as in the other examples, this revelation leads to a sudden change in his circumstances-this time in the opposite direction, from king to exile (Soph.OT 1518).

    “The story of Oedipus is a little different-his self-discovery reveals that he has already fulfilled his horrifying destiny, but as in the other examples, this revelation leads to a sudden change in his circumstances-this time in the opposite direction, from king to exile (Soph.OT 1518).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Soph.OT 1518

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Stories of foundlings tend to have as a climax the moment when the hero or heroine and their community come to know their true parentage and identity: this transformational self-knowledge enables, and often forces, the hero to fulfil his destiny.

    “Stories of foundlings, whether in the ancient world, or even in modern film franchises such as Star Wars, tend to have as a climax the moment when the hero or heroine and their community come to know their true parentage and identity: this transformational self-knowledge enables, and often forces, the hero to fulfil his destiny.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    At the same time, there is a profound difference in that Josephus, unlike Philo, is absolutely clear that the baby was placed in the river for his own protection.

    “At the same time, there is a profound difference in that Josephus, unlike Philo, is absolutely clear that the baby was placed in the river for his own protection.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In the story of Romulus and Remus as told by Plutarch, Dionysius, and Livy, Remus is recognised by his grandfather after a misadventure resulted in his arrest: Numitor admires the captive's kingly bearing and appearance, and therefore interrogates his origins, which are then proven by means of the trough in which the twins were exposed.

    “In the story of Romulus and Remus, as told by Plutarch, Dionysius, and Livy, Remus is recognised by his grandfather after a misadventure has resulted in his arrest: Numitor admires the captive's kingly bearing and appearance, and therefore interrogates his origins, which are then proven by means of the trough in which the twins were exposed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Plutarch

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Dionysius

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Livy

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Josephus describes how Moses gladly latches on and clings to his mother's breast immediately after his rescue from the river, which may suggest a desire to highlight the link with the founders of Rome.

    “Josephus hones in so closely on the process of breastfeeding itself, describing how Moses gladly latches on and clings to his mother's breast (τὸ παιδίον ἀσμενίσαν πως προσφύεται τῇ θηλῇ) immediately after his rescue from the river, which may suggest a desire to highlight the link with the founders of Rome”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    It has been suggested that the Ethiopian story originated in exegesis but gained independence, appearing in Artapanus with no reference to the wife and focusing on Moses' military accomplishments, including killing an Egyptian in self-defence.

    “It has therefore been suggested that the story has its origins in exegesis, but that the narrative gained some independence, such that it appears in Artapanus with no reference to this wife, the focus instead being on Moses' military accomplishments and including Moses' killing of an Egyptian in an act of self-defence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Artapanus

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The introduction to the Ethiopian story links it with the earlier prophecy and presents it as a foreshadowing of Moses' ultimate role as liberator of his people.

    “The introduction to the story, which by linking it with the earlier prophecy presents it as a foreshadowing of Moses' ultimate role as liberator of his people, should make the reader alert to the ways in which the narrative interacts with the story of Moses' birth and infancy, as well as how it relates to his future role.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The Egyptian princess enables the campaign to start, and the Ethiopian princess brings it to a close.

    “It is thus the Egyptian princess who enables the campaign to start, and the Ethiopian princess who brings it to a close.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Runnalls highlights the value for Jews living in Egypt, many of whom were mercenaries, of being able to identify their founding hero as militarily successful.

    “Runnalls, for example, highlights the value for Jews living in Egypt, of whom many were mercenaries, to be able to identify their founding hero as militarily successful.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Runnalls 1983:150 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The phrasing of Moses' coming of age is reminiscent of the prophecy before Moses' birth (AJ 1.137), encouraging the reader to interpret the coming story as the first evidence of the truth of the prediction.

    “The phrasing is reminiscent of the prophecy before Moses' birth (AJ 1.137), and the reader is thus encouraged to interpret the coming story as the first evidence of the truth of the prediction.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites AJ 1.137

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

91 of 91

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Differences between Josephus' account and the biblical or Philo accounts are deliberate authorial adaptations that reflect Josephus' concerns.

    “The adjustments and additions we find in Josephus' retelling of the story broaden the scope for comparison.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Josephus' intended immediate audience was Greek speakers in Flavian Rome.

    “both reflecting Josephus' own writing context and immediate audience among the Greek speakers in Flavian Rome.”
2 of 2

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • The Ethiopian expedition is assigned to two different book numbers

    Minor

    The expedition is cited here as AJ 1.238-253, but the paper later cites events within that same expedition as AJ 2.238, 2.242, and 2.247-252.

  • The pre-birth prophecy is given conflicting citations

    Minor

    The paper initially locates the prophecy at AJ 2.205, then refers to the prophecy before Moses' birth as AJ 1.137.

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

3 of the 37 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. ---2005. Figured speech and irony in Josephus. In Edmondson J, Mason S and Rives J (eds.), Flavius Josephus and Flavian Rome, 243-288. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  2. Petitfils, J M 2014. Martial Moses in Flavian Rome: Josephus's Antiquities 2-4 and exemplary Roman leadership. Journal of Greco-Roman Christianity and Judaism 10:194-208.
  3. Thackeray, H St J (trans.) 1930. Josephus: Jewish antiquities I-III. Cambridge, Mass./London: Harvard University Press.
  4. Westwood, U 2020. A Jewish lawgiver in a Greek world: Moses in Josephus' Antiquities in light of Plutarch's Lives. PhD thesis. Oxford University.

Related

Authors
Westwood, U.
Affiliations
Stellenbosch University (ZA)
Corresponding author
Westwood, Ursula
ORCID
Westwood, Ursula
Venue
Akroterion
Publisher
Stellenbosch University
Published
2022
Volume
67
ISSN
  • 0303-1896 (ISSN-L)
  • 2079-2883
DOI
10.7445/67--1047
OpenAlex
W4323791866
Semantic Scholar
10c55c37b6ee13b53b43a629a931514290a2afb7
Cited by
0
References
37
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc-nd
Locations
  • Akroterion (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • SUNScholar (Stellenbosch University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Biblical Studies and Interpretation
  • Social Sciences › Anthropology › Classical Antiquity Studies
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology › Ancient Egypt and Archaeology
Keywords
Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Moses, prophecy, princesses, ethnicity, Flavian Rome, narrative integration

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