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| הוצאת מוסד ביאליק |
The article studies the names and designations of the Qumran sectarians in the so-called sectarian scrolls. Some designations, such as "the chosen ones", point to a direct relationship with God. Others argue that the members are His children or that the group is actually a covenant with God. Many such self-designations, however, do not relate to God directly: holy/holy ones, men of truth, people of righteousness, innocent ones (temimim), and Sons of Light. The positive attributions, shared by all, are actually also characteristic of God. It is suggested that by means of these designations, the Qumran sectarians claim to be the closest community to God, conveying God's divine inspiration on earth.
In addition, there is a close correspondence between the attributes characteristic of these designation and the Instruction of the Two Spirits (1QS 3:13-4:26). Thus, the use of righteousness, truth, light, and also election, covenant and holiness is charged with certain dualistic message.
Being of God, in the name of God, and committed to God are therefore the common element in all these names and self-designations. At the same time, the positive designations imply dualistic thinking of resistance to evil. In using these names, the Qumran members express their belief and self-identity which are basic and essential in their writings and social standing.
אין תגובות:
הוסף רשומת תגובה
תגובתך תפורסם אחרי אישורה. סבלנות, ותודה על התגובה.