Heavenly Priesthood in the Apocalypse of Abraham
Files
Description
The Apocalypse of Abraham is a vital source for understanding both Jewish apocalypticism and mysticism. Written anonymously soon after the destruction of the Second Jerusalem Temple, the text envisions heaven as the true place of worship and depicts Abraham as an initiate of celestial priesthood. Andrei A. Orlov focuses on the central rite of the Abraham story – the scapegoat ritual that receives a striking eschatological reinterpretation in the text. He demonstrates that the development of the sacerdotal traditions in the Apocalypse of Abraham, along with a cluster of Jewish mystical motifs, represents an important transition from Jewish apocalypticism to the symbols of early Jewish mysticism. In this way, Orlov offers unique insight into the complex world of the Jewish sacerdotal debates in the early centuries of the Common Era. The book will be of interest to scholars of early Judaism and Christianity, Old Testament studies, and Jewish mysticism and magic.
ISBN
9781107039070
Publication Date
2013
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
City
Cambridge, NY
Keywords
Apocalyps of Abraham, Mysticism-- Judaism, Abraham
Disciplines
Biblical Studies | Religion | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Comments
Table of Contents
Sanctuaries. The anthropomorphism of the earthly Temple: the idols of Terah's family
The aniconism of the celestial Temple: the abode of the divine Voice
The corporealism of the demonic Temple: the Kavod of Azazel
Rituals. The priestly settings of the text: the Yom Kippur ceremony
The transformation of the celebrants
The mysteries of the throne room