Deuteronomy דְּבָרִים

The Book of Deuteronomy דְּבָרִים (Devarim)

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Deuteronomy 33	Deuteronomy 34

Introduction to the Book of Deuteronomy in the Samaritan Pentateuch: A Scholarly Analysis

The Book of Deuteronomy in the Samaritan Pentateuch (SP) is the final book of the Torah and plays a central role in Samaritan theology. Deuteronomy, often described as the “Second Law,” reiterates and expands upon the laws given to Israel, emphasizing the covenant between God and His people. The Samaritan version of Deuteronomy is particularly notable for its theological modifications, its strong emphasis on Mount Gerizim as the sole place of divine worship, and its textual differences from both the Masoretic Text (MT) and the Septuagint (LXX). This scholarly analysis examines the textual, theological, and historical aspects of Deuteronomy in the SP, shedding light on its significance in biblical studies.

Origins and Textual Background

The Samaritan Pentateuch is an independent textual tradition of the Torah, which diverged from the Jewish proto-Masoretic text between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. Written in Paleo-Hebrew script, the SP preserves unique readings that align with both older Hebrew traditions and the Samaritan religious worldview.

Deuteronomy is a particularly important book in the SP because it is the primary text where the Samaritan theological perspective is most evident. Key textual features of the SP version include:

Emphasis on Mount Gerizim as the Chosen Place of Worship
Harmonization of Legal Passages
Linguistic Simplifications
Theological Revisions Reflecting Samaritan Beliefs

Textual Comparisons: SP vs. MT and LXX

Mount Gerizim as the Central Sanctuary

One of the most significant differences in the SP’s Deuteronomy is the explicit identification of Mount Gerizim as the chosen place of worship.
For example, in Deuteronomy 12:5, where the MT states that God will choose a place for His name to dwell, the SP specifies Mount Gerizim, rejecting the legitimacy of Jerusalem.

Harmonization of Legal Codes

The SP modifies legal passages to eliminate contradictions and align laws across the Pentateuch.
Examples include clarifications in laws concerning sacrifices, festivals, and tithing to ensure theological consistency.

Linguistic and Stylistic Variations

The SP simplifies certain phrases and grammatical constructions found in the MT.
Alternative spellings and older Hebrew forms reflect a distinct textual tradition.

Alignment with the Septuagint

Some verses in the SP align more closely with the Septuagint (LXX) than the MT, particularly in matters of chronology and numerical values.
For example, certain legal and historical details in Deuteronomy show a stronger affinity to Greek textual traditions.

Theological Themes in Deuteronomy within the Samaritan Tradition

The Samaritan version of Deuteronomy emphasizes Samaritan religious identity and highlights several key theological themes:

Monotheism and Covenant

The SP version of Deuteronomy strongly reinforces strict monotheism and the idea of a single divine covenant with the Israelite people.
The Ten Commandments section in the SP includes additional references to Mount Gerizim, making explicit the location where God’s covenant was to be upheld.

Exclusive Worship at Mount Gerizim

Numerous textual modifications emphasize that Mount Gerizim is the only legitimate location for sacrifices and religious observances.
This theological shift reflects the Samaritan rejection of the Davidic monarchy and the Jerusalem Temple.

Prophetic Authority of Moses

The SP elevates Moses as the sole and final prophet, reinforcing the idea that the Torah is the complete and final revelation of God.
Unlike Jewish and Christian traditions that recognize later prophets, the Samaritan tradition asserts that no further revelation was necessary after Moses.

Historical and Archaeological Insights

Ancient Manuscripts and Deuteronomy

Fragments of Deuteronomy found in the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) contain readings similar to those in the SP, indicating that the Samaritan textual tradition may reflect an older form of the text.
The DSS also include alternative versions of Deuteronomy that suggest textual diversity in ancient Judaism.

Samaritan Worship and Deuteronomy

Archaeological evidence confirms that the Samaritans maintained Mount Gerizim as their central place of worship since antiquity.
Ancient inscriptions and religious artifacts align with the textual emphasis on Gerizim found in the SP.

The Importance of Deuteronomy in the Samaritan Torah

The Book of Deuteronomy in the Samaritan Pentateuch serves as a cornerstone of Samaritan theology and legal tradition. Through textual modifications that emphasize Mount Gerizim, harmonize legal codes, and reinforce Moses’ authority, the SP version of Deuteronomy reflects a unique and independent biblical tradition.

As a distinct textual witness, the SP provides scholars with invaluable insights into the history of biblical transmission and the sectarian diversity of ancient Israel. Its study is crucial for understanding how different Jewish groups interpreted and preserved the Torah in antiquity.