Horizons of Ancestral Inheritance: Commentary on the Levi, Qahat, and Amram Qumran Aramaic Traditions

Andrew B. Perrin examines the Aramaic Levi Document, Words of Qahat, and Visions of Amram, showing how they exhibit a concentration of priestly concerns/knowledge and exploring new models for evaluating their potential textual or traditional connections. Perrin's analysis includes a new transcription, critical notes, and translation of the fragments, paired with a comprehensive commentary on the conceptual elements, codicological features, and cultural contexts. He concludes with a fresh synthesis regarding the textual formation of these Aramaic, priestly pseudepigrapha as a "constellation" of texts within a larger world or scribal-priestly activity and traditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In this comprehensive study of the Aramaic materials found at Qumran, Andrew B. Perrin delves into the examination of three key texts: the Aramaic Levi Document, Words of Qahat, and Visions of Amram. Through meticulous analysis, Perrin demonstrates how these texts exhibit a profound concentration on priestly concerns and knowledge, offering valuable insights into the thought, identity, and practices of ancient Judaism.

The Aramaic texts among the Dead Sea Scrolls remain among the most understudied artifacts in the Qumran collection. With numerous open questions surrounding their origins, transmission, and reception during and beyond the Second Temple period, these writings present both new materials and fresh perspectives on the intellectual, cultural, and religious landscape of ancient Judaism. Perrin's analysis encompasses a comprehensive transcription, critical notes, and translation of the Aramaic Levi, Qahat, and Amram fragments, based on the latest digital images. He pairs these fragments with a detailed commentary on the conceptual elements, codicological features, and cultural contexts of the materials. Furthermore, Perrin concludes with a novel synthesis regarding the textual formation of these Aramaic, priestly pseudepigrapha as a "constellation" of texts within a broader world or scribal-priestly activity and traditions.

The Aramaic Levi Document, one of the key texts under examination, presents a collection of rules and regulations that are believed to have been written by a group of priests during the Second Temple period. Perrin's transcription, critical notes, and translation of this fragment offer a fresh perspective on the content and structure of the text. He explores the various themes and concepts addressed, such as the priestly duties, temple rituals, and ethical guidelines. Perrin's commentary provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural contexts in which the Levi Document was produced and circulated.

Words of Qahat, another significant text, presents a collection of visionary experiences and prophecies attributed to the prophet Qahat. Perrin's analysis includes a new transcription, critical notes, and translation of this fragment, based on the latest digital images. He examines the stylistic and rhetorical features of the text, as well as its relationship to other Dead Sea Scrolls and ancient Jewish literature. Perrin's commentary sheds light on the ideological and religious perspectives expressed in Words of Qahat, and its significance within the broader context of Second Temple Judaism.

Visions of Amram, the final text under scrutiny, presents a series of visionary encounters between the priest Amram and various deities and angels. Perrin's transcription, critical notes, and translation of this fragment offer a comprehensive understanding of the content and structure of the text. He explores the symbolic and metaphorical language. Perrin's commentary provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural contexts in which Visions of Amram was produced and circulated, as well as its significance within the broader context of Second Temple Judaism.

In conclusion, this study by Andrew B. Perrin is a significant contribution to the field of Aramaic studies and Dead Sea Scrolls research. Through meticulous analysis and comprehensive commentary, Perrin provides new insights into the textual formation of these Aramaic, priestly pseudepigrapha and their potential connections to other ancient Jewish texts and traditions. His work sheds light on the intellectual, cultural, and religious landscape of ancient Judaism and contributes to our understanding of the development of early Jewish literature and religion.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780567705433