Reassessing the Dream-Vision of the Vision of Amram (4Q543–547)

The Vision of Amram has been interpreted by many as a prime example of dualistic theology, portraying two ostensibly antagonistic figures contending over having authority over the person of Amram. This study pushes against this interpretation and instead recontextualizes Amram's otherworldly ex...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal for the study of the pseudepigrapha
Main Author: Jurgens, Blake A. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Sage 2014
In: Journal for the study of the pseudepigrapha
Year: 2014, Volume: 24, Issue: 1, Pages: 3-42
Further subjects:B priestly inheritance
B Melchiresha
B Melchizedek
B Vision of Amram
B endogamy
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Parallel Edition:Electronic
Description
Summary:The Vision of Amram has been interpreted by many as a prime example of dualistic theology, portraying two ostensibly antagonistic figures contending over having authority over the person of Amram. This study pushes against this interpretation and instead recontextualizes Amram's otherworldly experience with a greater emphasis on both the surrounding episodes of the composition as well as the identification of Melchizedek—a figure with intricate ties to priestly legitimacy—as the oppositionary figure up against the ominous Melchiresha in the dream-vision. In this fashion, this study concludes that the dream-vision of Amram represents an either–or choice in which the protagonist is required to choose between a legitimate or a corrupted priesthood. Moreover, Amram's vision thus stands as a metaphorical depiction of an underlying historical conflict between two priestly groups, an image which the latter Qumranites certainly reappropriated to their own historical situation.
ISSN:1745-5286
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal for the study of the pseudepigrapha
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1177/0951820714558760