M . HENGEL , Die Zeloten : Untersuchungen zur jiidischen Freiheitsbewegung in der Zeit von Herodes , I . bis 70 n . Chr . ( Arbeiten zur Geschichte des Spatjudentums und Urchristentums ; I . ) Leiden and Cologne : EJ . Brill , 1961 . Pp . xiv + 406 . Fl . 42 . This book is the most comprehensive attempt to determine the nature and describe the development of the Jewish striving for freedom which is usually connected with the name of Zealots . The author does not limit himself only to a study of the Zealots proper , but tries to explore the whole spiritual background of Jewish Palestine which gave rise to the new movement . He starts with a useful examination of the sources concentrating mainly on Josephus , but giving a satisfactory evaluation of other Jewish sources as well . He agrees with the quite common view that the Qumran writings derive from the Essenes , and to his credit uses them throughout his book in a sober way , remaining free from the 'pan-Qumranist' tendencies which in...
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