Multi-Levelled Identity Negotiation in the Second Temple Period

The contributors to this volume respond in various ways to Louis C. Jonker's proposal of a comprehensive model of 'multi-levelled identity negotiation' that describes the dynamic ability of Yehudian scribes to move within four different domains - within the Persian Empire; Yehud among its provincial neighbors; the tribal relationships within 'All Israel'; and within the Jerusalem cult - and to emphasize (or de-emphasize) different aspects of identity, depending on the needs of the community. The essays in Part I focus on aspects of or passages from the book of Chronicles, building on and responding to Jonker's analysis. The essays in Part II respond to Jonker's call to analyze portions of the Hebrew canon other than Chronicles. Three essays pertain to the Pentateuch, three to the book of Kings, one addresses Isaiah's servant songs, and one Psalms 135-136. The essays in Part III pursue 'multi-levelled identity negotiation' in a different direction: objects and material culture.