Rhetoric and the Dead Sea Scrolls: Purity, Covenant, and Strategy at Qumran

The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of ancient Israelite documents written by a Jewish sectarian community at Qumran living in self-exile from the Second Temple. This first book-length study of the rhetoric of these texts illustrates how the Essenes employed different rhetorics over time as they struggled to understand God's word and their mission to their people. Bruce McComiskey's analysis reveals a unique, fascinating story of an ancient religious community that had sought to reintegrate into Temple life but established itself as the new covenant people of God for this world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2023
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

The Dead Sea Scrolls, a remarkable collection of ancient Israelite documents, were unearthed in 1947. These documents, many penned by a Jewish sectarian community residing in self-exile at Qumran, shed light on the diverse rhetorical strategies employed by the Essenes as they grappled with comprehending God's word and their mission to their people. The Essenes, who had withdrawn from the priesthood of the Second Temple, utilized a range of rhetorical techniques over time, seeking to reintegrate into Temple life and reclaim their place as God's chosen people.

In his comprehensive book-length study, Bruce McComiskey delves into the rhetoric of these texts, employing rhetorical analysis to examine six significant manuscripts: Miqṣat Maʿaśeh ha-Torah, Rule of the Community, Damascus Document, Purification Rules, Temple Scroll, and Habakkuk Pesher. Through his meticulous analysis, McComiskey unveils a captivating narrative of the Essenes, a religious community that had initially aimed to reestablish their connection with the Temple but ultimately found solace in establishing themselves as the new covenant people of God for this world. However, their journey took a surprising turn when they shifted their focus toward a belief in a metaphysical afterlife.

Rhetoric and the Dead Sea Scrolls offers a unique perspective on ancient Jewish rhetoric, largely untouched by classical influences. By broadening our understanding of human and religious rhetorical practice, this book provides valuable insights into the events that shaped the Talmudic period. Scholars engaged in the fields of religious rhetoric, Jewish studies, and early Christianity will find this work to be an indispensable resource.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271090160