Was Yeshua or Yashua Hamashiach (aka Jesus) an Essene?
This is the first question we will address by referencing historical writings and Scripture. Once this first question is answered successfully, the next question might be: “IF He is, why is this important?” To a lay person, it probably is not important. But to a follower of Christ, it is CRITICAL to follow His Way, Truth and Light.
The clues are there for those who can follow them. Matthew, Mark and Luke all have Yashua saying, “Let he who has ears… HEAR.” The Book of Revelations also repeats over and over, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” This is not just about hearing things as they are, but listening to the profound underlayment and implications of the Holy Spirit.
What is Nazar in the Old Testament?
Let’s start from the beginning. Let’s first understand what and who the Nazoreans, Nazirites or Nazarenes were. The term first appears in Genesis 49:26, Joseph is the first-born ‘legitimate’ son of Israel, born of his first true love wife, Rachel. He is called ‘separate’ or consecrated “Nazar” in Aramaic. Nazar is used as a root of both the term Nazarite and Nazorean in Scripture.
The blessings of your father have surpassed the blessings of my ancestors up to the furthest boundary of the everlasting hills; May they be on the head of Joseph, and on the top of the head of the one distinguished (נְזִ֥יר ) among his brothers.”
Genesis 49:26 NASB
This word/language is also translated as “prince” or “devoted one.” The next mention of the word Nazar in the Old Testament is in Deuteronomy. To be “Nazar” was considered to be something separate from and in addition to the association with one of the 12 Tribes of Israel.
And with the choice things of the earth and its fullness,
And the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush.
Let it come to the head of Joseph,
And to the top of the head of the one who was prince (again, literally נְזִ֥יר or NAZAR) among his brothers.”
Deuteronomy 33:16
Next Page – Please Read in Order