Ancient Near Eastern Index – Parashat Tetzaveh

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Overview

Knowledge of the history, law, cultic practices and realia of the Ancient Near East can often shed much light on Tanakh. This index contains a list of links to articles which touch on the connections between Tanakh and ancient cultures.

"מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב"

See Text and Textile in Exodus: Toward A Clearer Understanding of Ma’aseh Choshev, by Judith Lapkin Craig, for discussion of the term "מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב". She suggests that the common translation of "designer work" is too general, and that in light of evidence from the Ancient Near East, it seems to instead refer to a very specific technique, one associated with the art of sash-making.

High Priestly Attire

See Wearing the Cosmos: The High Priestly Attire in Josephus’ Judean Antiquities, by Joabson Xavier Pena, for analysis of Josephus’ presentation of a cosmological, symbolic understanding of the significance of the priestly garments and his interpretation of how this clothing conveyed principles of Jewish beliefs about Hashem's sovereignty over all.