Jubilees on Israel as a Holy Progeny

Many ancient Jewish writers, such as Philo, Josephus, and the author of the Letter of Aristeas, deplore intermarriage with idolaters because of the moral corruption it will bring. By contrast, the separatism advocated in Jubilees is grounded in an ontological conception of non-Israelites and Israelites as distinct seeds—one profane, one holy—that can never be mixed. This idea is characteristic of works from the sectarian community at Qumran, such as the Damascus Document.

Engage with this Source

Many ancient Jewish writers, such as Philo, Josephus, and the author of the Letter of Aristeas, deplore intermarriage with idolaters because of the moral corruption it will bring. By contrast, the separatism advocated in Jubilees is grounded in an ontological conception of non-Israelites and Israelites as distinct seeds—one profane, one holy—that can never be mixed. This idea is characteristic of works from the sectarian community at Qumran, such as the Damascus Document.

Read more

You may also like