Jehon Grist—Reading the Bible: Josiah’s Three Stories: Kings, Chronicles and Josephus (Zoom only)

Many scholars regard King Josiah of Judah (ca. 640-609 BCE) as the founder of a strict one-G-d religion for his kingdom which previously worshipped YHWH but also allowed for other deities. His revolution was both consequential and violent, and paved the way for one of the key precepts of Judaism: monotheism.

Our class will take a close look at the two Biblical accounts of his reign in the Books of Kings and Chronicles in English translation but also with reference to the Hebrew text. We’ll also follow the ‘re-write’ of the story centuries later by the ancient Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. Why are the accounts different and what do they tell us not only about Josiah, but also the writers? Sessions will include richly illustrated historical and archaeological background so that students can fully appreciate the process that created the story and legend of Josiah. Texts, notes and additional readings will be provided by instructor.

8 Sundays: 10/15, 10/22, 10/29 (prerecorded), 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17 @ 5:30-7pm

Here’s a brief video about the class.