The Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls: The ... - josephprestonkirk

JAMES H. CHARLESWORTH 35
Qumranites at least the interpretation of Isa 40:3, the concept of the Holy
Spirit, a belief in the impending doom of the end of time, and the concept
of the lost as a brood of vipers. But probably, John the Baptizer was
one who refused full initiation because of the institutionalized hatred of
all who were not within the Qumran Community. The Baptizer thus
seems to be one who was expelled from—or better, left—the Qumran
Community.
Both John the Baptizer and the Qumranites lived at the same time
and place and evidenced some striking similarities. The historian must
attempt some synthesis and use some historical imagination that
accounts for all the relevant data. The present thesis, I am convinced,
best accounts for the complex similarities and dissimilarities between
John the Baptizer and the Qumranites. In summary, the Baptizer was not
an Essene, but—most likely—he had been almost fully initiated into the
Ya h[ad. He apparently refused full initiation and left the Qumran
Community because of their rigid predestination and their institutionalized
hatred of all the Sons of Darkness. My thesis explains many otherwise
inexplicable aspects of the life of the Baptizer, as we hear about him
from the ancient authors like Josephus, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Most important, for the first time the thesis explains two key dimensions
of the similarities between the Qumranites and the Baptizer. First, it
helps us comprehend the Baptizer’s choice and interpretation of
Scripture, especially Isa 40:3, his location in the wilderness not far from
Qumran, his apocalyptic eschatology, and his use of water in preparing
for the day of judgment. Second, it helps us understand his concept of
having only one coat, eating only what was allowed by Qumran lore and
not accepting food from other Jews, and also his hatred of the unrighteous
and unrepentant.