feb 12, 50 BC - 4QMMT

Description:

The earliest manuscript of MMT is from the mid-first century BCE. The six manuscripts of the text, however, range from the mid-first century BCE to the mid-first century CE. Thus, the original version of MMT must have been drafted before the mid-first century BCE, but we cannot be sure how much earlier. Lawrence Schiffman (2010:84 and passim; see also other bibliography) dates the composition of MMT to "soon after 152 BCE," and understands it as a reflection of the growing tensions between Zadokite (Sadducean) sectarians and the (Pharisaic) temple establishment in Jerusalem during the early Hasmonean period. This is part of his wider historicization of certain legal DSS: Schiffman sees TS and MMT and the D documents in a chronological (and somewhat genetically linear) continuity

4QMMT (a.k.a. the "Halakic Letter") is an anonymous "letter" concerning the proper observance of certain precepts of the Torah that pertain primarily to purity and the operation of the Jerusalem Temple cult. The text is broken down into three sections: (A) a cultic calendar, (B) a treatment of legal disputes, and (C) a hortatory conclusion.

The use of "we" and "you" language suggests the text presents the opinions of one group over against those of another, but we cannot be sure the text was ever sent between two parties. Some scholars (e.g., Steven Fraade) propose that the text served an intramural function of reinforcing group identity within the sect's own circle(s) -- this seems most probable. In terms of provenance, scholars generally agree that the text derives from an early point in the sect's history, as it lacks some of the sharp insider/outsider terminology found in other setarian texts (e.g., 1QS). Of the legal opinions presented in section C, three or four cases correspond to the opinions attributed by the Mishnah to the Sadducees. This has led some scholars (e.g., Lawrence Schiffman) to propose a Sadducean / Zadokite character for the sectarian community. Others (e.g., John Collins), however, suggest that any such "Sadducean views" can also be the views of the Essenes, and taken with other evidence, MMT alone does not force a Sadducean identity on the sectarian community.

Image: 4Q396 (MMT) frag. 2 cols. iii and iv

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https://www.deadseascrolls.org.il/explore-the-archive/image/B-370924

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