By Andrew Tobolowsky
350 pages, Cambridge University Press
ISBN 978-1316514948
Goodreads rating: 3.91 out of 5
A keen reading of the Bible will reveal that there is no one definitive list of the twelve tribes of Israel. Certainly, there is Jacob’s twelve sons mentioned throughout Genesis – which some consider ‘conclusive’ or inasmuch as ‘original’ – but there are no less than seven different variations throughout the Bible. Some have their ready (or should we say generally accepted) explanations – e.g. the omission of Levi from the land allotment, or more tenuously the omission of Simeon in Deuteronomy (because of idolatry?).
Andrew Tobolowsky doesn’t attempt to study or explain any of these lists – in fact, throughout the entire of this compelling book, a list of 12 tribes is nary to be found. What the writer tries to explore is how these lists of twelve tribes are tied to the history of claims to an Israelite identity as an ongoing historical phenomenon from biblical times to the present. He doesn’t argue, deny or confirm that the twelve tribes did (or did not exist) in Israel’s history, he notes that the real historical twelve tribes and the portrayal in various points of the biblical canon may not be necessarily be the same thing.
It is important to note that the usage of the word ‘myth’ here in the title and throughout his work does not imply that he believes it to be false or a fairytale, but in essence how it is become part of the heritage and embodiment of the Israelites.
The writer argues that the twelve tribes may not have been a strong concept during the time of the Moses right through the two kingdom periods, but as more as a tool for the exilic and post-exilic biblical writers (and others) to forge an Israelite history and identity for the explicit purpose of their writing. This hypothesis forms the basis to answer as to why different lists exists – they form to serve a purpose for the writer. Certainly, in the time of the Davidic kingship, the idea of the Israelite people or the twelve tribes of Israel would not have been a necessarily how the Judahites would have thought of themselves.
Further on the book, Tobolowsky explores how that throughout history, there have been numerous ‘Israels’ – how the structure of the twelve tribes’ tradition enables the creation of so many different visions of Israel, and this ideas of ‘discovering’ or ‘becoming’ Israel has been an enduringly popular ideal throughout history up to the it has changed over time.
These two interesting concepts, Looking for Israel and Becoming Israel, are studied through four subsequent chapters. He starts off with the present-day Samaritans, a minority in modern day Israel who have claims to be the remnant of the ten northern tribes who were not mass deported during the Assyrian siege of Israel. Secondly, he explores the many attempts in the medieval age of Europe to find the lost tribes of Israel, mainly finding the mythical River Sambatyon (as mentioned by Josephus and his peers), the legendary Christian emperor Prester John and his army of soldiers.
In Becoming Israel, the author looks towards the Mormons in America, where they start off looking for Israel, first through the native Americans in the New World, before moving towards realizing that they are to be the new Israel and new Jerusalem themselves.
Certainly, he argues, this is how the modern Latter-Day Saints view themselves in their current form.
Finally, the writer explores a different and final case study, the Beta Israel of northern Ethiopia who have a distinction of becoming Israel twice in their long history.
Tobolowsky does a fine job to put forward his arguments, more so the latter half of the book dealing with historical case studies. Certainly, having a keen interest in the Kebra Nagast, I found the chapter on the two Israels in Ethiopia – the Jewish Israelites and the
Christians Israelites – fascinating. I found the first chapter on him explaining the understanding of the twelve tribes during biblical times less compelling. Certainly, some contemporary biblical scholars may tend to have differing views, to some extent. That being said, a good read for those who are seeking to learn how the understanding of the twelve tribes has evolved through time.
📖 This book is available to be borrowed from the PJEFC Library.
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