The function of the sacred geography in the Book of Jubilees

In general the interest of the other- worldly realm on the part of the author of the Book of Jubilees bas been played down in scholarly literature. Although no heavenly journey is described, the Il8JTIltive frame is an angelic discourse directed at a human taking place on Mount Sinai. When analysing Jubilees' geographical passages within the larger structure of the Il8JTIltive and in conjunction with texts such as I Enoch, it is evident that the geography of Jubilees also displays a very clear vertical direction. The concept of the axis mund; applies undeniably to the cosmic mountains of Sina, Zion, and the Temple Mount Together with the equation of Zion and the Garden of Eden, the interest in both a heavenly and earthly Temple service, and the navel of the earth, the geography attains very strong theological and apocalyptic overtones and, moreover, reveals a strongly TempJe- oriented focus. This is especially born out by the prominent place of Jubilees at Qumran and its relationship to other Temple related texts unique to the Dead Sea Scrolls.