By using our site, you agree to our collection of information through the use of cookies. To learn more, view our Privacy Policy. To browse Academia. This significant pseudepigraphal work within Samaritan literature. This text, attributed to the prophet Moses, provides an alternative narrative to that found in the Hebrew Bible and other Jewish texts, reflecting the unique traditions and beliefs of the Samaritan community.
Historical Context The Samaritans are an ethnoreligious group originating from the ancient Israelites. Their religious texts include the Samaritan Pentateuch, which closely resembles the first five books of the Hebrew Bible but with some notable differences. The Asatir is considered part of their broader religious literature and offers insights into the Samaritans' interpretation of biblical history and prophecy.
Content and Structure The Asatir is written in Samaritan Hebrew and is composed of several sections that recount the history of the world from creation to the death of Moses.
It includes prophecies, genealogies, and narratives that are distinct from or elaborate upon the canonical texts of Judaism and Christianity. It suggests that Moses was not only a lawgiver but also a mystic with deep esoteric knowledge.
Genealogies: The text includes detailed genealogies, tracing the lineage of key biblical figures and connecting them to the Samaritans. Alternative Narratives: Stories in the Asatir often present alternative versions of biblical events, providing a unique perspective on well-known tales.
