Reconstructing the Calendar of 4Q208-4Q209 (and a Response to Eshbal Ratzon)

This study mathematically reconstructs 4QAstronomical Enocha-b ar (4Q208-4Q209) in detail. The findings challenge the recently proposed reconstruction of 4Q209 by Eshbal Ratzon as a full triennial cycle (with a synchronized lunar and solar year), known from the Judean Hebrew calendrical texts found in Qumran (in contrast to Milik’s proposal that the texts represented the first year of a triennial cycle). This reconstruction demonstrates that the Aramaic fragments more accurately match one single synchronized year which is not connected with a triennial cycle. It identifies the placement of certain fragments containing relevant data according to a scheme founded on contemporaneous ancient astronomy in the region and that of another Qumran Aramaic calendrical text. The study finds that the Aramaic calendar of 4Q208-4Q209 should be analyzed on its own terms.