Brief Commentary on the Mimar So Far

On the surface of course Marqe's work seems to be little more than a commentary on the Book of Exodus. Yet we should pay careful notice that Marqe has a very specific purpose in mind. He is not merely 'retelling' the story of Moses or 'filling in the gaps' in Exodus. Notice there is no mention of the circumstances of Moses' birth or any of the details before chapter three of Exodus.

What is Marqe's purpose in writing the Mimar? Well let's bring forward some basic observations.

There is a clear parallel between Marqe (M + R + Q + H = 345) and Moses (M + Sh + H) which Samaritans STILL recognize.

Marqe develops the Mimar to reflect one central idea ABOVE ALL ELSE - Moses was chosen to received the revelation from the glory of God which would ultimately redeem Israel.

Yet this is clearly JUST ONE LEVEL to the revelation. Marqe too is introduced as a 'second Moses' who by inference ALSO MUST HAVE RECEIVED the revelation which finally and completely establishes the 'correct interpretation' of the Torah.

Does this mean that this Samaritan Mark must have had a parallel encountered with the Glory, a parallel 'revelation' which formed the basis to his reception of his 'true interpretation' of the Torah?

Of course it does. But it must be stressed this is never made explicit anywhere in Samaritan literature. Nevertheless there still survives within the Mimar the consistent reinforcement that what Moses experienced will be experienced by the one/those who are 'like Moses.'

This will be made even clearer by Book Four of the Mimar.

Yet for the moment, I have to confess I can't help but see a parallel with the Alexandrian understanding of St. Mark especially if we integrate the Alexandrian traditions original RADICAL monophysite principles AND the Pauline understanding of Jesus as 'the glory Lord.'

You just have to think about for a while and you'll see it, I promise ...

Anyway back to the Mimar.