Detailed Notes on the Hasmonean Period

Introduction to Pre-Christian Messiahs in the Hasmonean Period

  • Discusses the ambiguity and flexibility in defining messiahs from the Hasmonean time.

    • Different starting points for definition:

    • Root meaning of anointed from biblical texts.

    • Christian messiah as a reference point, emphasizing divine origin and martyrdom.

  • Subjective nature of messiah interpretation affects scholarly discussions.

    • Reference to Amos Oz's encounter with Professor Joseph Klausner, underlining differences between cultural perceptions of messiahs.

Anointment Rituals

  • Context from the Hebrew Bible on anointment rituals for political and religious leaders.

    • Priestly and kingly figures are characterized as messiahs.

  • Qumran texts still reference this ritual.

  • Discussion on the distinction between the general concept of messiahs versus the Christian understanding.

Messianism in the Hasmonean Context

1. Changes in Judaism during Hellenism

  • The Hellenistic influence post-Alexander the Great reshaped Jewish identity.

    • Martin Hengel suggests that Hellenism set the stage for early Christianity.

  • The emergence of a Hasmonean kingdom marked a significant transformation in Jewish thought and messianic expectations.

    • Contradictory responses from the Qumran community towards Hasmonean integration of power.

2. Judaism and Hellenism Debate

  • Hengel’s views spurred discourse regarding cultural interaction.

    • Distinction between Hellenism (cultural context) and Hellenization (the process impacting Jewish practice).

  • Evidence of Hellenistic cultural acceptance in Judaea, e.g., Hellenized tombs, prominence of Jews with Greek names.

3. The Maccabaean Revolt and the Formation of the Hasmoneans

  • Two perspectives from primary sources (1 Maccabees vs. 2 Maccabees) detailing the reasons for revolt against Antiochus IV.

    • The revolt marked the emergence of a new Jewish state.

  • Associated with the unification of the high priesthood and rulership.

Hasmonean Ideology of Kingship

  • Simon the Hasmonean’s honorific titles reflect a shift towards combined priestly and political leadership.

    • Documented in 1 Maccabees as self-legitimizing for Hasmonean rulers.

  • The combination of political and religious roles is unprecedented, deviating from practices of earlier Jewish leadership.

Qumran Messianism

  • Discussion of the diversity and complexity in Qumran's messianic expectations.

    • Presence of multiple messianic figures:

    • Messiah of Israel, priestly messiah, and the redeemer roles vary in texts.

  • Important texts include references to royal messianism, emphasizing military leadership.

  • Expectations of two messiahs: a Davidic warrior and a priestly instructor.

Royal Messiahs in Qumran

  • The anticipated royal messiah's actions during the last days frame him as a military leader.

    • Associated with prophesied scriptures (like Isaiah) foretelling his defining role in divine judgement.

  • Emerging narrative emphasizes allegiance to the priestly figures in rituals and community leadership.

Conclusion

  • The Maccabean revolt and Qumran messianism reflect responses to struggles with Hellenistic influences and leadership crises.

  • Ambiguities in the messiah concept raise significant questions on the intersections of cultural identity and religious expectations.

  • Schwartz critiques minimalist interpretations of Qumran messianism, indicating it holds complexities that resonate with early Christian views on messianism and convey a dynamic understanding of prophetic leadership during the period.