BLACK, p. 115-116, states: "The Qumran sect was a hierarchic, non-egalitarian body, the unity of which and the texts make much of the "unity" of the sect-depend on its "aristocratic" or "oligarchic" structure.

There were two features of special interest, the character and organization of a small body of "saints" at the apex (or at the foundations) of the Qumran hierarchy, and the office of an individual known at the Examiner (mebaqqer). The first has been claimed as the prototype of the College of the Twelve Apostles in the early Jerusalem Church and the second as the forerunner of the Christian Bishop". The Book of Mormon nearly 600 B.C. refers to a Council of 12 that would follow Christ. Other ancient documents may yet be found that clarifies an earlier understanding of these offices and callings. BLACK continues, p. 116: "Moreover, the most natural understanding of the words (quoted in BROWNLEE ABOVE), is that the number of this group of fifteen, (includes) twelve laymen and three priests." In reference to the group of fifteen men.

AARON RULER AND JUDGE IN COMMUNITY: "..the men of the Community shall be set apart as a house of holiness for Aaron being united so as to constitute a holy of holies and a house of the Community..A most holy abode belongs to Aaron with eternal knowledge to enact laws, and to offer up an agreeable odor; and a house of perfection and truth is in Israel to establish a covenant with eternal ordinances." BROWNLEE p. 32 "Only the Sons of Aaron shall have authority in matters of law and property; and according to their judgement the decision shall be reached in regard to every rule of the men of the Community and in regard to all the property of the holy men who walk in perfection." BROWNLEE p. 34.