What is a proper use of comparative material in biblical studies? The article reflects upon the concept of "parallelomania," where scholars find supposed similarities in passages and then describe their source as if to imply a literary connection that flows in a predetermined direction.

A development took place in the Jewish messianic expectation during the intertestamental period that can be found in apocryphal and pseudepigraphal writings. The idea that developed was that the Messiah would be a Levitical priest. This essay surveys the relevant passages.