"This is a very significant, original, and daring book. It illuminates an important era in the history of the Jewish people as well as the background of Christianity, making full use of the new Qumran material."?Professor Emanuel Tov, Editor-in-Chief, Dead Sea Scrolls Publication Project"The importance of this thesis for the understanding and interpretation of the historical Jesus is something of which all students of Christian Origins should take careful note. The book places a square challenge before those persuaded by a less apocalyptic/messianc view of the man and his times. I am convinced this book will become a pioneering classic in terms of the slot it fills in the field."?James D. Tabor, author of Why Waco?"This is a work of very high quality. . . . Knohl convincingly points out the historical event of a Messiah who predated the more famous one, Jesus Christ. . . . This is one of the most fascinating findings regarding the history of Jewish Messianism and the understanding of the emergence of Christianity. . . I am confident that it will mark a new phase in research of ancient Judaism."?Moshe Idel, author of Messianic Mystics"This tiny book will turn many heads. Israel Knohl sifts through a vast range of ancient texts in order to weave together a new chapter in the story of Jewish Messianism."?Gary A. Anderson, Professor of Hebrew Bible, Harvard University"Israel Knohl established himself as a first-rate scholar with his first book, The Sanctuary of Silence, on a classic problem of Pentateuchal studies. Here he ventures into entirely different territory and displays impressive erudition not only in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Talmud but also in classical antiquity. His bold and provocative theories are sure to elicit a storm of controversy."?John J. Collins, author of Between Athens and Jerusalem: Jewish Identity in the Hellenistic Diaspora and Jewish Wisdom in Helleniatic Age"Fascinating. . . .Knohl's book is an original piece of research that defies some of the most solid beliefs of our time".?Avraham Burg, Chairman of the Keneset (Israeli Parliament).