Israel and the Nations: Proselytes and Apostates in 2 Baruch

Abstract

In this article I explore how God’s people is constituted in 2 Baruch and in which relation it stands to the nations, an issue which has not yet been dealt with in detail in recent research. It will be shown that the author, writing after the destruction of the temple in 70 CE, stresses the role of torah and true worship to encourage his addresses as Israel. In doing so, he creates a clear dichotomy between Israel and the nations to uphold group identity. However, in 2 Bar. 41–42 the firmly established walls of Israel seem to crumble, because those from Israel become apostates whereas those from the nations join God’s people. This passage is analyzed in more detail and its socio-historical background is explored, including the topics of assimilation, inter-marriage, and the joining of a Christian community.