Journal: Bulletin for Biblical Research
Volume: BBR 08:1 (NA 1998)
Article: The Return of the Ark according to Josephus
Author: Christopher T. Begg

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The Return of the Ark according to Josephus

Christopher T. Begg

Catholic University Of America

1 Sam 6:1-7:1 marks the third stage in the story of the ark’s wanderings as related in the “Ark Narrative”: after its capture by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4) and stay in Philistia (1 Samuel 5), the ark now returns to the land of Israel prior to its definitive transfer to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). This article investigates Josephus’s retelling of the biblical account of the ark’s return in Ant. 6.7-18 comparing this both with the major witnesses to the text of 1 Sam 6:1-7:1 (MT, 4QSam^a, LXX, and Targum) as well as extrabiblical traditions about the episode. Specific questions addressed include: the text-form( s) of 1 Sam 6:1-7:1 available to Josephus, the rewriting techniques applied by him, and the distinctive features of his presentation of the ark’s homecoming.

Key Words: Ark of Covenant, Josephus

Introduction

Within the so-called “Ark Narrative,” 1 Sam 6:1-7:11 constitutes a pivotal moment: following its capture (1 Samuel 4) and “exile” (1 Samuel 5), the ark now returns to the land of Israel prior to its eventual, definitive installation in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). In this essay I purpose to examine the retelling of 1 Sam 6:1-7:1 by Josephus in his Jewish Antiquities (hereafter Ant.) 6.7-18.2 My investigation will

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involve a double comparison. First (and primarily), I shall compare Josephus’s rendition with its biblical source as represented by the following major witnesses: MT (BHS), 4QSam^a,3 Codex Vaticanus (hereafter B),4 and the Lucianic (hereafter L) or Antiochene mss5 of the LXX and Targum Jonathan on the Former Prophets (hereafter Tg. Jon.).6 Second (and secondarily), I shall also compare Josephus’s version of the ark’s ret...