Save

Is Sibylline Oracles 4 “Anti-temple”?

Consolatory Rhetoric in Sibylline Oracles 4

In: Journal for the Study of Judaism
Author:
Christine Trotter Georgetown University Washington D.C. USA

Search for other papers by Christine Trotter in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7695-7136
Download Citation Get Permissions

Access options

Get access to the full article by using one of the access options below.

Institutional Login

Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials

Login via Institution

Purchase

Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):

€36.93

Abstract

This article critically examines the claim that Sibylline Oracles 4 is “anti-temple” by analyzing the text in light of ancient consolatory rhetoric. I argue that the Sibyl employs conventional consolatory arguments towards the aim of offering comfort concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 70 CE. These consolations suggest she is attempting to preserve the reality of the temple in its absence; this is an expression of attachment, not rejection. The Sibyl reimagines Jewish piety without the Jerusalem temple as a means of hope and resilience in circumstances that cannot be changed. Sibylline Oracles 4 is a witness to how Jews of the late first century processed the trauma of 70 CE and found a way to maintain their trust in the God of Israel despite what the Romans had taken from them.

Content Metrics

All Time Past 365 days Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 128 128 14
Full Text Views 21 21 2
PDF Views & Downloads 61 61 5