rewritten Bible

Term used for writings which amplify, modify, or in some other way revise existing books of the OT, thus making them more relevant or acceptable to a later generation of readers. Thus 1 and 2 Chron. go over the books of Samuel and Kings from a post-exilic standpoint, which is primarily to enhance the standing of David. Ecclus.=Sir. 44–9 rewrites much biblical material to emphasize the dignity of the priesthood; the book of Jubilees in the 2nd cent. BCE supplements the narratives in Gen. about Noah and Abraham and revises the OT chronology; the Temple Scroll from Qumran contains instructions about worship not contained in the OT. The Jewish Book of Biblical Antiquities of the 1st cent. CE contains additional psalms and affirms a doctrine of resurrection. Josephus' [[➝ Josephus, Flavius]] Antiquities (94 CE) rewrites much of the history, as do the targums for use in the synagogues.