The Jewish origins of Qur An 18:65-82? Reexamining Arent Jan Wensick's theory. (scholar)

From: The Journal of the American Oriental Society | Date: April 1, 1998| Author: | Copyright information

The story of Moses and the anonymous servant of God mentioned in Q 18:65-82 has elicited much comment. Probably the most influential explanation of these verses is that offered by Arent Jan Wensinck, who claims that it is based on the "Jewish legend" of Rabbi Joshua b. Levi and Elijah. I will argue, rather, that the legend of Joshua and Elijah is derived from information found in the early commentaries on Q 18:65-82. Such examination highlights how the early commentaries on these verses used other late antique sources purposefully to perpetuate their own interpretive agenda.

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