Feldman PDJFC 1992

Feldman starts off this article by giving background information of the Palestinian world's politics prior to the Jewish Revolts. This includes information on the different rulers of Judea and their political power. Feldman then goes on to give an economic background of the Jewish Revolt against Rome. Also discussed is the religious background of the revolt and the rise of messianism. This includes the major developments of religion in Palestine prior to the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E. and the scholarly texts written during this time. The last section of Palestine is on the cultural developments which includes information on Hellenism in the region and its effects. The second half of this article discusses the Diaspora world in all the same aspects. First is political and economic background. Again this includes the differetn rulers of the time as well as how the people made a living. The religious background is next and the author Philo is mentioned with his written history of Jewish life. Philo is discussed more heavily in the section of cultural background as well. All in all Feldman does a nice job giving background information from both sides so the reader can better understand the few similarties and many differences.