The Book of Genesis בְּרֵאשִׁית (Bereshit)
Introduction to the Book of Genesis in the Samaritan Pentateuch
The Book of Genesis in the Samaritan Pentateuch (SP) represents one of the most fascinating textual traditions of the Hebrew Bible, reflecting the theological, linguistic, and historical development of the Samaritan community. This introduction explores the unique textual, historical, and theological features of Genesis within the Samaritan tradition, its relationship to the Masoretic Text (MT) and the Septuagint (LXX), and its broader significance in biblical studies.
Origins and Textual Background
The Samaritan Pentateuch (SP) is a version of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, preserved by the Samaritan community, which views only the Torah as canonical scripture. The Samaritan version of Genesis, like the rest of the Pentateuch, is written in the Paleo-Hebrew script, differing from the Aramaic square script used in the Jewish Masoretic tradition.
The textual history of the Samaritan Pentateuch suggests that it diverged from a common proto-Samaritan/proto-Masoretic text type sometime between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC, a period of intense sectarian developments within Judaism. Some scholars argue that the SP represents an older Palestinian textual tradition that was once widespread but was later marginalized by the rise of the Pharisaic and Rabbinic traditions that preserved the MT.
One of the key textual characteristics of the Samaritan Pentateuch is its harmonization and expansionist tendencies, aimed at clarifying or emphasizing theological themes. This is especially evident in Genesis, where the text aligns with Samaritan religious beliefs, particularly regarding Mount Gerizim as the central place of worship.
Textual Comparisons: SP vs. MT and LXX
Linguistic Features
- The SP preserves older Hebrew forms and sometimes simplifies complex grammatical structures.
- Unique orthographic and phonetic variations reflect regional dialectal influences in ancient Palestine.
Harmonization of Double Narratives
- The SP smooths out apparent contradictions or duplications in the Genesis narratives.
- Example: In Genesis 2–3, where the creation accounts have some differences in sequence and terminology, the SP tends to harmonize these inconsistencies.
Theological Revisions
- The most significant theological revision in the SP is the elevation of Mount Gerizim as the central site of divine worship.
- The SP modifies Genesis 12:6–7 and Genesis 22:2 to indicate that Abraham’s encounters with God occurred at Mount Gerizim, rather than at an unspecified location.
Alignment with the Septuagint
- Certain textual readings in the SP agree more closely with the Greek Septuagint (LXX) than with the MT.
- Example: In some genealogical lists, the SP and LXX share numerical values that differ from the MT.
Expanded Readings and Explanatory Additions
- Some additions clarify ambiguities, making theological points more explicit.
- In Genesis 5, the SP sometimes expands on the ages of the patriarchs in a way that aligns with LXX readings rather than the MT.
Theological Themes in Genesis within the Samaritan Tradition
The Book of Genesis in the Samaritan Pentateuch serves as the foundation of Samaritan theology, which emphasizes:
- Monotheism and Covenant: Genesis reinforces God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants, a concept central to Samaritan self-identity.
- Sacred Geography: The Mount Gerizim tradition is interwoven throughout Genesis, supporting the Samaritan belief that God commanded true worship at Gerizim rather than Jerusalem.
- Ethnic and Priestly Identity: Genesis’ genealogical accounts provide legitimacy to the Samaritan priestly lineage, which traces its authority through Aaron and Eleazar, rather than later Judean traditions.
Historical and Archaeological Insights
Samaritan Sectarian Identity and Genesis
The Samaritan community claims descent from the northern Israelite tribes that remained in the land after the Assyrian conquest of 722 BC. Traditional Jewish sources (e.g., 2 Kings 17) depict the Samaritans as a mixed population with foreign influences, while Samaritan historical accounts emphasize their continuity with pre-exilic Israel.
Archaeological Discoveries and Genesis in the SP
- The Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) contain proto-Samaritan texts, demonstrating that Samaritan textual traditions were not unique but part of a broader Second Temple textual diversity.
- Ancient inscriptions and manuscripts, including fragments of the Samaritan Pentateuch, confirm that its textual tradition was stable from at least the 2nd century BC.
The Importance of Genesis in the Samaritan Torah
The Book of Genesis in the Samaritan Pentateuch offers a unique perspective on biblical textual traditions, revealing important linguistic, theological, and historical differences from the Masoretic Text. While maintaining the essential structure of Genesis, the SP harmonizes and modifies the text to support Samaritan beliefs, particularly emphasizing Mount Gerizim as the true place of worship.
As an independent textual witness, the SP serves as a valuable resource for biblical scholarship, shedding light on the diverse textual landscape of Second Temple Judaism and providing crucial insights into the formation and transmission of the Hebrew Bible.
