Re: [Megillot] some recent publications

[RUSSELLGMIRKIN]

Stephen, the accurate use of the roots M$L and MLK in Pesher Habakkuk is not controversial.  Indeed, the accurate use of the root M$L to describe "the leaders of the Kittim" at 1QpHab 4.10 was one of the decisive early arguments favoring an identification of the Kittim with the Romans in this text, the reference being to Rome under the governance of senators and consuls rather than kings.  By contrast, 1QpHab 4.2 refers to the kings subjugated by the Romans.  Given this exact and accurate usage in 1QpHab, the use of the root M$L at 1QpHab 8.9 indicates that the Wicked Priest was not a king.  This heavily weighs against an identification with Jannaeus, since all ancient sources critical of Jannaeus, both Jewish and Graeco-Roman, raise the accusation that he tyrannically seized the office of king. Russell Gmirkin's recent online assertion of "demonstrably exact and accurate" pesharim language, referring to use of M$L and MLK. Similar considerations weigh against taking the CD 5.18-19 mention of "Jannes and his brother," the opponents of Moses and Aaraon, as an allusion to Jannaeus (on the assumption that the Talmudic nickname Yannai was applied this early to Jannaeus, who appears as Jonathan on coins).  Earlier in this same column, CD 5.1-2 reads, "And about the prince it is written: 'He should not multiply wives to himself.' "  The law at Deut. 17:17 is actually about the king.  It does not make sense that Jannaeus here would be demoted from king to prince, especially since this passage in Deuteronomy could have been applied so aptly to Jannaeus's concubines.  Rather, this column will have been composed at a time when Judea was not ruled by a king.   Best regards, Russell Gmirkin