“Teach me, and I will be silent” (Job 6:24). Scribes, Secretaries and Teachers in the Period of the two Temples

Abstract

Over the centuries, research on scribes has explored various directions, offering hypotheses about their roles and status based on textual evidence. Prevailing theories on Israelite scribes heavily relied on sources like the New Testament, Josephus Flavius' writings, rabbinic texts, and non-Jewish scholars, considering them reliable for understanding 1^st-century AD Jewish society. However, alternative evidence was often overlooked, and contradictions between sources went unexplained. In the late 19th century, German theologians delved into the history of ancient Jewish people, examining the context surrounding Jesus, his movement, and the New Testament. Regrettably, modern approaches neglect the ancient Israelites' self-perception, favouring biased interpretations influenced by contemporary assumptions. Anachronistic views on schools, scribal training, manuscripts, and authorship further hinder understanding. To grasp the true role of scribes, a comprehensive study of ancient sources, especially the Old Testament, is imperative.