Preface and Acknowledgements

Contents

1. Introduction

Premises and Methodology

Chapter 2.Rabbinic and Qumran Interpretation Systems

Chapter 3. Imposing Modern Thoughts on Ancient Authors and Readers

Chapter 4. 1 Enoch: Complement or Alternative to the Mosaic Torah?

Chapter 5. Jubilees and the Mosaic Torah

Chapter 6. Another Look at Dualism in Qumran Writings

Chapter 7. Against a Theory of Dual Determinism in 1QS and 1QHha

A Note on Sources

2. Rabbinic and Qumran Interpretation Systems

2.1. The Etymological Meaning of the Terms ... and ... in Scripture, Rabbinic, and Qumran Corpora

2.2. Philosophical/Theological Distinctions in the Approach to Scriptural Interpretation of Legal Issues

2.2.1. Rabbinic Philosophy

2.2.2. Qumran Philosophy

2.3. Rabbinic and Qumranic Styles of Justifying Halakhot

2.4. Style and Structure of Narratives in Qumran and Rabbinic Literatures

2.5. The Particular Pesher Style

2.6. The Labels “Reworked Pentateuch” and “Paraphrased Biblical Texts”: Are They Correct?

2.7. Discussion of Fraade’s Examples of Legal Midrash

2.7.1. Example 1: Rebuke Your Neighbor

2.7.2. Example 2: Addition of Time to the Sabbath

2.7.3. Example 3: Offerings Other Than Those of the Sabbath

2.8. Discussion of Fraade’s Examples of Narrative Midrash

2.8.1. Example 1: Blessings and Curses Renewed

2.8.2. Example 2: Revelation Retold

2.9. Conclusion

Excursus I: Review of Vermes’ Interpretive Methods of Qumran

Grouping and Collating Parallel Texts

Harmonizing Expansions

Clarifying Additions

Recasting and Supplementation

Exegesis of Individual Biblical Books

Excursus II: Extra-scriptural Halakhot in Rabbinic Literature?

Comments on Rabbi Akiba’s Halakhot

Conclusion

3. The Attribution of Modern Concepts to Authors and Readers of Ancient Texts

3.1. The Watchers’ Narrative as an Explanation of the Source of Evil

3.1.1. Introduction

3.1.2. Methodological Problems

3.1.2.1. Definition of Source/Origin of Evil

3.1.2.2. Imposing Modern Thought on Ancient Authors

3.1.2.3. The Focal Point of 1 Enoch

3.1.3. The Problematic Influence of Contemporary Thought on Our Understanding of Ancient Texts

3.1.4. Textual and Factual Problems Associated with Prevailing Theories about the Purpose of 1 Enoch

3.1.4.1. Internal Contradictions

3.1.4.2. Vague and Incoherent Text

3.1.4.3. Logical Contradictions

3.2. The Danger of Imposing Modern Concepts on Ancient Authors and Example of Issues Related to the Subject of Our Investigation

3.3. Does the BW Solve the Dilemma of Theodicy?

3.4. Methodological Issues of Scholarly Propositions, and a Counter-Proposition

3.4.1. Deductions from Myths

3.4.2. Purpose and Function of the BW

3.4.3. Scrutiny of Suter’s Supporting Evidence

3.4.3.1. Consequence of Prohibited Intercourse on Partners or Offspring

3.4.3.2. Arguments Regarding the Validity of Suter’s Evidence from Qumran Writings

3.5. The Pitfalls of Imposing Modern Concepts on Authors and Readers of Ancient Texts: Proof of Different Understandings from Texts of the Period—Jesus’ Parables

3.6. Suggested Interpretation of 1 Enoch 10:7–8

3.7. Scholarly Views against Imposing Modern Thought on Ancient Writers

3.8. Concluding Summary and Further Substantiation

3.9. The Watchers’ Sin: Deviation from Cosmic Order?

3.9.1. Interpretation of 1 En. 15:3–9: Accusations against the Watchers

3.9.2. The Concept of Natural Cosmic Order: Incompatible with Traditional Jewish Doctrine

4. Enoch: Complementary or Alternative to Mosaic Torah?

4.1. Introduction

4.1.1. Allegations That Enochic Judaism Follows Enoch Rather Than Moses

4.1.2. Scholarly Opinions about Theological Fractures in Ancient Israelite Society

4.2. Disputing the Above-Mentioned Theories

4.2.1. Methodological Criticism

4.2.2. Inconsistent and Ambiguous Writings Inappropriate for the Deduction of Subtle Theological Doctrines

4.2.3. Lack of Textual Support

4.2.4. Does Absence of Explicit Evidence Serve as Contrary Evidence?

4.3. Rationale for the Omission of Moses and Torah in 1 Enoch

4.4. Factual Criticism

4.4.1. Critique of Boccaccini’s Theory of Change and His Postulate of Ideological Collision between Zadokite and Enochian Priests

4.4.2. The Purpose of 1 Enoch: Criticism of the Temple’s Pollution?

4.4.2.1. Which Period Is Criticized in the Dream Vision?

4.4.2.2. Scholarly Hesitation and Disapproval of Alleged Confrontation between Enochic Revelation and Mosaic Torah

4.5. Problematic Consequences of Scholarly Theories on the Absence of Mosaic Law in Enochic Doctrine and Writing

4.5.1. What Constitutes a Sin, and Who Are the Sinners?

4.5.2. A Sinner Can Only Be One Who Transgresses a Defined Law

4.5.3. The Identity of Sinners in Boccaccini’s Theory

4.5.4. What Is the Source of Law in the Absence of Mosaic Revelation, and Who Was the Mediator of Law?

4.5.5. Collins’ Proposition of the Source of Law and Its Rebuttal

4.5.5.1. The Relationship of Natural Law (Law of Nature) to Mosaic Law, According to Philo, and Its Adaptation to 1 Enoch’s Mode of Thought

4.5.5.2. The Absence of Ritual Laws in 1 Enoch

4.6. Conventional Mosaic Law Known from Another Source

4.6.1. Substantiation of Theory

4.6.2. Supporting Arguments from Other Sources That Omit Citation of the Law

4.6.2.1. Qumran Literature

4.7. Disputing the Existence of a Defined Enochian Group

4.8. The Purpose of 1 Enoch

4.8.1. The Function of Apocalypses

4.9. Conclusion

5. Jubilees and the Mosaic Torah

5.1. Relationship between the Heavenly Tablets and the Mosaic Torah

5.1.1. Disputing Boccaccini’s Theory

5.1.2. Disputing Najman’s and Himmelfarb’s Theories

5.2. Contrary Arguments and Conclusion

6. Another Look at Dualism in Qumran Writings.

6.1. Introduction

6.1.1. Methodological Issues

6.1.1.1. Incorporation of Terminology versus Influence

6.1.1.2. Israelite Accommodation to Foreign Myths and Customs

6.2. A Comparison of 1QS with Persian Dualism

6.2.1. Persian “Monotheistic” Dualism versus 1QS

6.2.2. “Good” and “Evil” Compared in Persian Theology and Qumran

6.3. Scholarly Sub-categorizations of Dualism versus 1QS

6.4. Dualism in 1QM

6.5. A Rebuttal of Dualism in Qumran Writings

6.5.1. Was “The Source of Evil” the Foundation of a Comprehensive Qumran Theology?

6.5.2. The Scholarly Proposal of Developmental Stages in Qumran Dualism

6.5.3. The Essence of Angels and the Concepts of “Light” and “Darkness” in Scripture and Qumran Writings

6.5.3.1. The Essence of Angels and Their Power

6.5.3.2. Humans Fight; the Angels Do Not

6.5.3.3. Inconsistencies and Linguistic Expedients in Defence of “Dualism”

6.5.3.4. For Whom Was the Two Spirits Treatise Written?

6.5.3.5. Concluding Evidence against the Theory of Cosmic Dualism as Deduced from the Angelic Battles

6.5.3.6. Lack of Interest in Revealing the Angelic Enigma

6.5.3.7. “Light” and “Darkness” in Scripture and Qumran Writings

6.5.3.8. The Expressions bny ’vr “Sons of Light” and bny hvsk “Sons of Darkness” in 1QS

6.5.4. A Proposed Interpretation of 1QS iii:19

6.5.4.1. The Meaning of tvldvt

6.6. The Meaning of Key Words Used in the Two Spirits Treatise

6.6.1. The Range of Meaning of ’mt and 'vl in Jewish Thought and in 1QS

6.6.2. The Significance of “Wisdom” and Its Linkage to “Truth”

6.7. The Source of the Two Spirits Theory

6.7.1. The Cognate Concepts of ycr, rvh and lb in Scripture and Qumran

6.8. An Innovative Approach to the Dualism Theory by S. Hultgren

6.9. The Astrological Text 4Q186

6.10. Conclusion

7. Against a Theory of Dual Determinism in 1QS and 1QHa

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Methodological Issues

7.3. Rebuttal of Predeterminism in Scripture

7.3.1. Scripture’s Explicit Opposition to Dual Predestination

7.3.2. Lack of Interest in Philosophical Issues—Torah as Paradigm

7.3.3. Alleged External Textual Grounds for Predestination in Qumran—Josephus

7.3.4. Alleged Internal Textual Grounds for Predestination in Qumran. The Two Spirits Discourse—1QS (Rule of the Community) III:13-IV:26

7.3.5. Divine Omniscience and Human Free Will

7.3.6. The Thanksgiving Scroll, 1QHa Hodayot

7.3.7. Interpretation of CD-A II:7

7.3.8. The Ambit of Election

7.4. Broshi’s Other Sources of Evidence

7.4.1. The Habakkuk Commentary

7.4.2. Predestination in the Pauline Epistles

7.4.3. The Augustine–Pelagius Contention

7.5. Conclusion

8. Epilogue

Bibliography

Index of Citations

Index of Subjects