Did Amram have a choice? Divine determinism and human choice in 4QVisions of Amram

Abstract

4QVisions of Amram has often been presented as a text that stands for human choice or some kind of “free choice” theology. The basis for this interpretation is an intriguing passage that most scholars—with a few notable exceptions—read as an invitation to Amram to choose his own position in relation to two beings who are described as the rulers of light and darkness, respectively. Taking its cue from Perrin’s call for a skeptical stance toward the dominant reading, the article reexamines the passage and its context and questions the standard interpretation from various angles. It discusses the surviving text of the passage, finds the usual reconstruction problematic, and proposes a number of other possible reconstructions. It argues that other parts of the composition are not concerned with the notion of human choice. Rather, deterministic thoughts seem to play a more prominent role, especially if 4Q542 (Testament of Qahat) is seen as part of the work, as has been recently proposed. In addition, the article gives a critical evaluation of the suggested resemblance between Visions of Amram and the Avestan Yasna 30. Various aspects of the relationship between human choice and divine determinism are discussed, leading to the conclusion that choice is often less “free” than it may seem to be.