Social studies and anthropology, based on ethnographical research, take for granted the role of large populous groups in defining ethnicity. Self-definitions of the group, as well as definition by others, are interpreted as the central issues regarding large groups. The paper aims to argue for the key-role of elite groups in self-identification and ethnic creation. Small groups of elite, by defining their own “ethnicity” decided it for larger groups. This hypothesis will be tested and illustrated by test cases of ethnogenesis in Iron Age Palestine....
The biblical passage concerning the siege of Jerusalem by David (2 Sam. 5:6-10), has drawn scholarly attention numerous times over the years. The formula of exclusion of the blind and lame from the Hebrew cult, which became popular in biblical literature, made this story particularly attractive. Despite the volumes of commentaries devoted to this passage there still remain alternative explanations and interpretations of the phrase that have not been sufficiently explored. To whit, it is possible that the passage contains words the original meaning of which have been forgotten. This article aims to explore the possibility of re-interpreting the saying about blind and lame in Jerusalem and its role, anew....