Constructing Jewish Nationalism: The Role of Scripture (Chapter 2) - Elements of Ancient Jewish Nationalism

As we saw in chapter 1, both historians and social scientists have noted the existence in ancient Jewish society of something that looks very much like nationalism. Or to use more recent jargon, they have noticed discourses that sound very much like modern national discourse. In other words, and in view of the definitions discussed earlier, belief in a shared kinship and a common culture was widespread among ancient Judeans. Assuming as I do that this observation is correct, the following question arises. How could such a belief achieve an audience large enough to make mass political mobilization possible? It is unlikely that family traditions went back far enough, or extended broadly enough, to lead thousands of people spread over a fairly extensive geographical area to believe they were all related. And as to culture, all indications are that Judeans shared not only the general material culture of the area but also the language and customs of most of their neighbors. We noted above that Aramaic was the common spoken language of most inhabitants of the area including many or even most Judeans. And Judeans, like their neighbors, used Aramaic for legal documents and for much literary production as well. And, to cite another cultural marker, male circumcision was not unique to the Judeans. Yet despite similarities such as these, many (most?) Judeans believed they constituted a nation distinct from their neighbors. Where could such an idea have originated?