Moses at Moab, Moses in Judaea: Second Temple interpretations of Deut 1-11 through wisdom, covenant, and mûsar/paideia

Ashworth, William David (2026) Moses at Moab, Moses in Judaea: Second Temple interpretations of Deut 1-11 through wisdom, covenant, and mûsar/paideia. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

In this thesis, I investigate the interpretation of Deut 1-11 in Second Temple texts. I will examine Ben Sira, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, the works of Philo, selected works of Josephus, and the Qumran materials. Deut 1-11 is amply attested in the Second Temple period, not only through textual quotation and allusion but through three thematic lenses which are especially prominent in Deuteronomy. These lenses—wisdom, covenant, and mûsar/paideia—allow for additional thematic similarities between these Second Temple texts and Deut 1-11 to be observed.
I will first provide a brief review of relevant Deuteronomy scholarship. Then, I briefly review and define these lenses, providing scholarly background and delineating qualities by which they may be articulated. I will then show how these themes interact with Deut 1-11 before providing information on methodology. Then, I will show how these lenses encompass the entire pericope of Deut 1-11.
Next, I will analyze Ben Sira with respect to these lenses and Deut 1-11. Here, I show Ben Sira's understanding of wisdom as not only the pursuit of God, but the fear of God as well. Torah fidelity is also crucial for Ben Sira, as is right speech and Israel's possession of wisdom. For this point, Ben Sira makes use of covenantal themes, which he also uses to defend the priesthood of his day.
In 1 Macc, the highly theological treatment we find in Sir gives way to a political defense of the Maccabeans. The author makes use of Deut 1-11 and the thematic lenses to illustrate the military superiority of Judas Maccabeus, as well as the fitness of himself and his descendants to serve as priests. The author of 2 Macc will likewise appropriate Deut 1-11 and these lenses to a dfferent end; that of showing the complex factionalism of the Jerusalem priesthood, God's benevolence toward not only the Jerusalem temple but all temples of the diaspora, and the sanctity of the Jewish people.
In the works of Philo, we will find Deut 1-11, and these themes, used to generally emphasize a highly spiritualized view of the ideal life. Material possessions, and the material world, are minimized in favor of fellowship with God. The metaphor of the kubernētēs will emerge, as will thoughts on immortality and Israel's role among other nations. Philo will use covenant in a flexible way, especially regarding his writings on mind and senses.
Josephus will use these themes to highlight the applicability of the Jewish scriptures for all nations, not just Jews, and to promote his belief that the Romans have become the recipients of God's divine favor. The Qumran materials through Deut 1-11 and these themes will show a remarkable diversity of theology, as well as developmental interaction with predeterminism. Finally, I will show that these works may now be seen as inhabiting three categories: theological-transformative, historical-expositional, and theological-historical.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Additional Information: Financial support from the University of Glasgow, Midway Presbyterian Church and Grace Church Canton.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion; B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BS The Bible; B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BT Doctrinal Theology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies
• Supervisor's Name: Adams, Professor Sean A.
• Date of Award: 2026
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2026-86076
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 25 Jun 2026 13:29
• Last Modified: 25 Jun 2026 13:35
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.86076
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/86076