I just got a copy of James VanderKam, From Joshua to Caiphas: High Priests
after the Exile (Fortress Van Gorcum, 2004). Though I haven't read it all,
it so far appears to be Jim's typically excellent work. Let me quote from the
Alexander Jannaeus section (p.336):
It is surely possible that the attitude of the covenanters at Qumran toward
the Hasmonean rulers changed as circumstances did; nevertheless, the other
evidence on this matter shows only negative views about the reigning house. In
this respect, the approach to 4Q448 defended by E. Main seems to point in a
more helpful direction. According to Main, a study of the biblical usage of
the phrasing found in line 1 (WR (L demonstrates that the prayer asks God to
fight against King Jonathan but to bless his people.
Yes. VanderKam also cites Lemaire. To those three names (Main, Lemaire, and
VanderKam) we can add Penner, Lorein, Harrington/Strugnell, (and me).
I suggest it is time to focus on the chronology of wicked priest Alexander
Jannaeus and teacher of righteousness Judah the Essene.
best,
Stephen Goranson
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