***From Alan Schuetz in Baton Rouge, LA: I am new to the Orion family, and if this subject has been debated to death, please point me to the proper archive. Thank you. ============ The sect from Qumran (and Damascus) never referred to themselves as Essenes, and Josephus' description of this group could have been derogatory (possibly "the pious") since he was a self-described Pharisee (after allegedly studying and investigating the major Jewish sects of his day). Based on the gospel accounts in the B'rit Chadashah (New Covenant), we know what Yehoshu'a (Joshua =[Jesus in Christianity]) thought of Pharisees and Sadducees as a whole.
I firmly believe that the Qumran community represented the celibate, male priesthood in the wilderness east of Jerusalem who segregated themselves from women and the corrupt priesthood presiding in Jerusalem. (For those who disagree with the latter statement, please refer to Malachi). I believe that this priesthood serviced the families (men and women) of Damascus, who also segregated themselves from the corruptness in Jerusalem at that particular point in time. This fits the constructs found in the DSS and the NT. Acts 9:1 Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" 5 And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He said," I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do." (NASB) Note: "The Way" comprised of men and women in Damascus. Sha'ul (Saul) was persecuting the *followers* of Yehoshu'a (Gr. ='Iesous; Lat.='Iesus). Acts 24:10 When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, 11 since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 "Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot. 13 "Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me. 14 "But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; 15 having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 "In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men. (NASB) Note: After his conversion, Paul identified himself with HaDerech (v14) -- the "Judeo-Christian" sect called "The Way". They believed everything that is in accordance with the Law and what was written in the Prophets. Matthew 3:1 Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 3 For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, "THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!'" 4 Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; 6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. (NASB) Note: From my understanding, the "wilderness of Judea" has been traditionally east of Jerusalem (i.e., Qumran and the surrounding area). The Jordan River (mikveh) is in close proximity to Qumran. This river was the closest natural water source fulfilling the requirements for a "tevilah" (complete immersion) -- which is the ritual water purification for proselytes. This wasn't anything new; everything was performed "by the book". For private reply, e-mail to "Alan Schuetz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe from Orion, e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: "unsubscribe Orion." Archives are on the Orion Web site, http://orion.mscc.huji.ac.il. (PLEASE REMOVE THIS TRAILER BEFORE REPLYING TO THE MESSAGE)
