The Pesharim and Qumran History: Chaos or Consensus?

Among the Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran are seventeen of the earliest known biblical commentaries, the "Pesharim." Since their discovery, researchers have been in intense debate over their true nature. In this fascinating volume James Charlesworth introduces the Pesharim to general readers and makes a signal contribution to our understanding of these invaluable ancient documents.

Ought these Jewish writings be viewed as historiography in the guise of biblical commentary, or are they simp...