Paul The Herodian and the DSS

[Brainache]

Yes, it's the ONLY first century reference to Jesus outside devotional literature, that is agreed to be genuine by the bulk of scholars. The other Josephan reference (the "Testimonium Flavianum", Ant. 18.3.3) is very much more controversial, and there is no reference to Jesus at all by any other first century author.

There was a passage of Josephus mentioned by all the early Church fathers Hegesippus, Clement, Origen (I think) about how the death of James led to the destruction of Jerusalem.

Eisenman says that after Irenaeus, this passage is no longer found in Josephus, because it offended people who thought it should be about Jesus.

I think he is talking about this passage:
http://www.biblestudytools.com/history/flavius-josephus/war-of-the-jews/book-4/chapter-5.html

...
I should not mistake if I said that the death of Ananus was the beginning of the destruction of the city, and that from this very day may be dated the overthrow of her wall, and the ruin of her affairs, whereon they saw their high priest, and the procurer of their preservation, slain in the midst of their city. He was on other accounts also a venerable, and a very just man; and besides the grandeur of that nobility, and dignity, and honor of which he was possessed, he had been a lover of a kind of parity, even with regard to the meanest of the people; he was a prodigious lover of liberty, and an admirer of a democracy in government; and did ever prefer the public welfare before his own advantage, and preferred peace above all things; for he was thoroughly sensible that the Romans were not to be conquered. He also foresaw that of necessity a war would follow, and that unless the Jews made up matters with them very dexterously, they would be destroyed; to say all in a word, if Ananus had survived, they had certainly compounded matters; for he was a shrewd man in speaking and persuading the people, and had already gotten the mastery of those that opposed his designs, or were for the war.

And the Jews had then put abundance of delays in the way of the Romans, if they had had such a general as he was. Jesus was also joined with him; and although he was inferior to him upon the comparison, he was superior to the rest; and I cannot but think that it was because God had doomed this city to destruction, as a polluted city, and was resolved to purge his sanctuary by fire, that he cut off these their great defenders and well-wishers, while those that a little before had worn the sacred garments, and had presided over the public worship; and had been esteemed venerable by those that dwelt on the whole habitable earth when they came into our city, were cast out naked, and seen to be the food of dogs and wild beasts. And I cannot but imagine that virtue itself groaned at these men's case, and lamented that she was here so terribly conquered by wickedness. And this at last was the end of Ananus and Jesus...

So, if the references here were originally to James instead of Ananus (whose description elsewhere in Josephus is very different to this one), then might the Jesus mentioned here be our "Jesus"?

Just a thought...

 

[Craig B]

There was a passage of Josephus mentioned by all the early Church fathers Hegesippus, Clement, Origen (I think) about how the death of James led to the destruction of Jerusalem.

Eisenman says that after Irenaeus, this passage is no longer found in Josephus, because it offended people who thought it should be about Jesus.

I think he is talking about this passage:
http://www.biblestudytools.com/history/flavius-josephus/war-of-the-jews/book-4/chapter-5.html

Yes, Origen comments on this in Against Celsus 1:47

But he [Josephus] himself, though not believing in Jesus as Christ, in seeking the cause of the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple, whereas he ought to have said that the conspiracy against Jesus was the cause of these things happening to the people, since they killed the prophecied Christ, even says, being unwillingly not far from the truth, that these things befell the Jews as vengeance for James the just, who was a brother of Jesus who is called Christ, since they killed him who was most just. Paul, a genuine disciple of Jesus, says that he saw this James as a brother of the Lord, not so much on account of their relationship by blood or of their common upbringing as on account of his ethics and speech. If, therefore, he says that the things surrounding the desolation of Jerusalem befell the Jews on account of James, how is it not more reasonable to say that it happened on account of Jesus the Christ?

That's what Eisenman is referring to. But all copies of Josephus we have now say that he did believe Jesus to be the Christ, and none of them say that Jerusalem was destroyed in revenge for the death of James.

 

[JaysonR]

Brainache,

More information for you on Alcimus (I'm posting between rushes at work - work at a cable company in technical support)

You wanted to know of fitting characters.

Here's some food for thought.
Alcimus killed 60 Priests in the wide open simply because the doubted him.

Alcimus was a Hellenistic Jew, not a "true Jew" (just like Paul).
He was only accepted because he claimed Aaronic bloodline, but that bloodline was not of the Priestly Aaronic bloodline, so his election was about as in violation of the Sacred Law as it could get (he and Jonathan could have a run for violations, as being King and High Priest was also a huge violation of the Law - that's like being President and the leader of Congress in one go).

Judas Maccabee lost a war against Alcimus because Alcimus ran to the Seleucidic King, or soon to be after Demetrius killed the King and took over while Alcimus was with him, and then Alcimus was given a huge army to take back to Jerusalem where he defeated Judas Maccabee, and after which Judas Maccabee stages continual guerilla warfare against Alcimus - turning the area of Judah into an absolute bloodbath.

Alcimus' second army (he had to send off for another Army from Demetrius) was ran by Nicanor, whom Demetrius specifically selected due to his noted and passionate hatred of the Jews.

So, think on that for a moment.
The High Priest has an army ran by a general who wants nothing more than to kill every Jew he sees.

There's differing accounts of how that war ended.
Some sources claim Judas one, others claim Nicanor won.

There is a Hebrew festival, however, held to mark the day of Nicanor's death; that's Alcimus' general they are celebrating the death of.

This became Nicanor's Day, or the Day of Nicanor.

It is a vengeance holiday.

Then Demetrius sent yet another army for Alcimus, this time lead by Bacchides - noted for being terribly barbaric and cruel.
He killed Judas Maccabee and defeated his army.

Alcimus maintained his High Priesthood, forcing Hellenization upon all Jews, tore down the wall mentioned before, and then died from some paralytic disease.

After he dies is when Jonathan Maccabee steps in.
You can imagine, since Judas Maccabee's fights against Alcimus, the surprise and shock of everyone to find Jonathan Maccabee going to bed with the Seleucidic King in exchange for being King and High Priest in one move.

 

[Brainache]

Yes, Origen comments on this in Against Celsus 1:47 That's what Eisenman is referring to. But all copies of Josephus we have now say that he did believe Jesus to be the Christ, and none of them say that Jerusalem was destroyed in revenge for the death of James.

But if you take that above passage and replace "Ananus" with "James" we have exactly the passage as described by Origen.

This passage follows on directly from the description of the Idumeans killing Ananus and wreaking vengeance upon his corpse for what he had done.

What he had done to make everyone so mad was to kill James. Then after earlier describing this Ananus as corrupt and unpopular, he launches into a eulogy praising him for being "Just" and a lover of democracy.

It doesn't make sense to apply this passage to Ananus. It fits James The Just much better.

 

[JaysonR]

So, Brainache, originally, I hadn't intended Onias IV's Temple as a suggestion to the texts, but when you thought that's what I was stating, that kind of peaked my mind a bit.

So I started digging a bit and I found the archaeological material on it.
http://books.google.com/books?id=DI...el of restoration, from the east side&f=false

While smaller in width to height a bit, it is based on the same floor plan as the Jerusalem Temple, but 20 cubits higher (about one to two stories higher) than the Temple of Herod, standing at 60 cubits high like a grand tower.

There's also an interesting reason why Onias thought this Temple was going to be the key; prophecy - interestingly enough, the same prophecy loved by the Qumran group - one of their oldest scrolls. The Isaiah scroll.

Isaiah 19:19-20

19 In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the Lord at its border. 20 It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them.

Onias IV built his temple in Egypt and Onias IV was of the proper Zadokite line.

I'm not sold on it as solid fact, but that is pretty compelling when countered against Alcimus the Hellenistic Jew-slayer false High Priest; especially when Onias lost his rightful seat to Alcimus and was ran out of Judah.

This really could be the starting point; the "original cast".

 

[Brainache]

I'm just going to keep ploughing on with the Pesharim. Why not? I've come this far, I might as well see it through...

4Q161-165: 4QpIsa a-e (Isaiah pesher)

This one seems very fragmented and I'm having a hard time making head or tail of it to be honest. If I had to guess, I'd say this was an earlier one than the Habakkuk pesher.
http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/arc/isaiah/entirepesher.html

Frags. 15-16 Is 29:10-11 [For] 1 the Lord pours [upon] you [a breath] of languor and will blinker [your eyes-the prophets-and] 2 he will cover your heads-the seers--. For you [any vision] will be [like the text of a] 3 [sea]led [book:] they give it to someone who can read, telling[g him: Please read this,] 4 [and he answers: I cannot because] it is sealed. […]

Frags. 18-19 1 Is 29:18-23 [of the book;] without darkness or glo[om the eyes of the blind will see. The oppressed will return to rejoice in the Lord] 2 [and the poor]est of men [will delight in the Holy One of Israel. Because the tyrant is destroyed, the sceptic finished off and] 3 [all] those alert for evil [will be obliterated, those who are going to seize another in speaking and the one who defends in the gate with snares and, for nothing, engulf] 4 [the innocent.] Therefore, so says [the Lord to the House of Jacob, he who ransomed Abraham: No longer] 5 [will] Jacob [be ashamed, no longer will his face smile when he sees that his sons, the work] 6 [of my hands in his midst,] worship my name, because they wor[ship the Holy One of Jacob.] Frag. 21 1 […] Is 29:17 Perhaps, [in a very little while, 2 [will the Lebanon turn into] and orchard, and will the orchard] seem like [a wood?] The Lebanon are […] 3 […] into an orchard and they will turn into […] 4 […] by the sword. And what it [says…] 5 […] … […] 6 […] … […] the teacher of […as it is written:] 7 Zach 11:11 [It was annulled on that day, and[thus the most helpless of the flock which [was watching me knew] 8 [that it was in fact the word of the Lord.] Blank […] 9 Is 30:1-5 [Woe to the rebellious sons-oracle of the] Lord-who make plans [without counting] 10 [on me; who sign deals, but[without my spirit, to ad[d sin] 11 [to sin; who proceed to go do]wn to Egypt [without conferring with me, to gain strength] 12 [with the strength of the Pharaoh and shel]ter in the shadow of Egypt! [Their disgrace will be] 13 [the strength of the Pharaoh, and the she]lter of the shadow of Egypt, [their shame. For in Zoan were] 14 [their princes, and their messengers] reached Hanes. [They were all ashamed of a] 15 [powerless people which could neither help] nor [oblige…]

They don't seem too keen on people going to Egypt though.

4QIsaiah Pesher (4Q164 [4QpIsd])

Frag. 1 1 [he will trea]t all Israel like {jet} around the eye. Is 54:11 And your foundations are sapphires. [Its interpretation:] 2 they will found the council of the Community, the priests and the peo[ple…] 3 the assembly of their elect, like a sapphire stone in the midst of stones. Is 54:12 [I will place] 4 all your battlements [of rubies]. Its interpretation concerns the twelve [chiefs of the priests who] 5 illuminate with the judgment of the Urim and the Thummim […with-out] 6 any from among them missing, like the sun in all its light. Is 54:12 And a[ll your gates of glittering stones.] 7 Its interpretation concerns the chiefs of the tribes of Israel in the las[t d]ays […] 8 of its lot, their functions […]

OMG!! They were Mormons!!!! Flipping Heck! Quick, someone call the Pope...

I know it's one of those mystic Judaism things, but that just looks so weird to me. I usually only see "Urim and the Thummim" in connection to Joseph Smith and his magic hat.

And then it ends:

Frag. 6 1 […] the chosen ones of Israel […] 2 […] eternal. And what is written; [Is 32:5-7 No longer will they call the fool an aristocrat,] 3 [or] treat [the rogue] as superior. For the r[ogue says roguish things and his heart is dedicated to evil, to commit wicked deeds] 4 [and to speak] absurdities against [the Lord]; to destroy [the soul of the hungry person and take water away from the thirsty. As for the rogue] 5 [his roguish deeds are] illicit and he hatches plots [to destroy the poor with lies] 6 [and the helpless who defends] his rights. Its interpretation concerns […] 7 […] … to the law […] … […]

If there is anything useful for my idea in there, I can't see it at the moment.

 

[JaysonR]

Yes, the Isaiah text is one of the oldest prophetic texts, created very early.
However, that copy that we have is newer rather than earlier.
(edited for clarification)

They weren't against people going to Egypt.
They were against, as all Jews observing the laws were, insurrection; which is what this section of Isaiah is about.

It's about Jews leaving to Egypt without consulting the Priesthood.
On the other hand, since Onias IV was the rightful Zadok bloodline High Priest usurped by a Hellenistic false High Priest, there was no issue with Onias IV going to Egypt as, to any who were faithful to the Zadok line, would perceive Onias IV as blessed by their god and fine to go off to Egypt, while they would see Alcimus as a vile evil who had chased their god from Judah by polluting the holy of hollies with false god worship, mass murder, and a row of holy crimes.

 

[Brainache]

Heres a list of the Pesher texts, also.
These are what we're pulling from.
I have not removed texts that have too early of dates.

Continuous pesharim
1QpHab: Habakkuk pesher
4Q161-165: 4QpIsa a-e (Isaiah pesher)
4Q166-167: 4QpHos a-b (Hosea pesher)
4Q169: 4QpNah (Nahum pesher)
4Q170: 4QpZeph (Zephaniah pesher)
4Q171 & 173: 4QpPs a-b (Psalms pesher)
Thematic pesharim
4Q174: 4QFlor (the Florilegium)
4Q177: 4QCatena a
11Q13: 11QMelch (the Melchizedek Midrash)

OK. Moving on to Hosea:

4Q166-167: 4QpHos a-b (Hosea pesher)

I don't know if there is another version online for this one, this is the only one I could find:
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/scrolls/trans7.html

Hos. 2:10-14
1. (10)[SHE DID NOT KNOW THAT] I MYSELF HAD GIVEN HER THE GRAIN [AND THE WINE]
2. [AND THE OIL, AND] (THAT) I HAD SUPPLIED [SILVER] AND GOLD ... (WHICH) THEY MADE [INTO BAAL. The interpretation of it is]
3. that [they] ate [and] were satisfied, and they forgot God who [had fed them, and all]
4. his commandments they cast behind them, which he had sent to them [by]
5. his servants the prophets. But to those who led them astray they listened, and they honored them [ ]
6. and as if they were gods, they fear them in their blindness.
7. vacat
8. (11)THEREFORE, I SHALL TAKE BACK MY GRAIN AGAIN IN ITS TIME AND MY WINE [IN ITS SEASON,]
9. AND I SHALL WITHDRAW MY WOOL AND MY FLAX FROM COVERING [HER NAKEDNESS.]
10. (12)I SHALL NOW UNCOVER HER PRIVATE PARTS IN THE SIGHT OF [HER] LO[VERS AND]
11. NO [ONE] WILL WITHDRAW HER FROM MY HAND.
12. The interpretation of it is that he smote them with famine and with nakedness so that they became a disgra[ce]
13. and a reproach in the sight of the nations on whom they had leaned for support, but they
14. will not save them from their afflictions. (13)AND I SHALL PUT AN END TO ALL HER JOY,
15. [HER] PIL[GRIMAGE,] HER [NEW] MOON, AND HER SABBATH, AND ALL HER FEASTS. The interpretation of it is that
16. they make [the fe]asts go according to the appointed times of the nation. And [all]
17. [joy] has been turned for them into mourning. (14)AND I SHALL MAKE DESOLATE [HER VINE]
18. [AND HER FIG TREE,] OF WHICH SHE SAID, "THEY ARE THE HIRE [THAT MY LOVERS HAVE GIVEN] ME."
19. AND I SHALL MAKE THEM A FOREST, AND THE W[ILD BEAST OF THE FIELD] WILL DEVOUR THEM.

Transcription and translation by M. Horgan

The intro said this was written in "Rustic Herodian", I want that font for my computer...

Anyway we see more talk of the Liar leading Israel astray and the nations that used to be allies turning away from them.

We also see a reference to a famine. Might be a metaphor or might refer to the famine that struck Judea in the forties.

I'd say this was much closer to the Habakkuk Pesher than the Isaiah one.

 

[JaysonR]

You may find interest that 161 and this are by the same hand

 

[Brainache]

You may find interest that 161 and this are by the same hand

Different voice though, I'd say. 161 seemed a bit more formal or something, like it was trying to sound official, whereas this one seems a bit more casual.

I'm not expressing it well, but do you know what I mean?

 

[JaysonR]

Yes I do, and there's lots of reasons that could happen.

Different commentaries (which is what a pesher is) are for different "ranks" of audiences, so that can explain the voice difference.
One may have been more presentational, while the other more for shared collegues.

 

[Brainache]

Yes I do, and there's lots of reasons that could happen.

Different commentaries (which is what a pesher is) are for different "ranks" of audiences, so that can explain the voice difference.
One may have been more presentational, while the other more for shared collegues.

OK. That makes sense. thanks.

So when you said that the Isaiah one was early, are you saying that the Hosea Pesher scribe made a copy of an earlier Isaiah Pesher?

 

[JaysonR]

Possibly, but more so I meant that Isaiah, the text, is one of the older prophecy texts.

 

[Brainache]

Possibly, but more so I meant that Isaiah, the text, is one of the older prophecy texts.

Oh, you were talking about the book, not the Pesher?

 

[JaysonR]

Right, which may be why the Pesher, in part, sounds different; Pesher are interlinear bibles, basically a study Bible.
So there will be sections from the source cited, and then comments of understanding following.

 

[Brainache]

OK. Next Pesher up is Nahum.\

I like reading these things, crazy I know, but it is a weird feeling to read this stuff knowing that it was buried for 2000 years and the guy whose words I'm reading now, whose handwriting I can see in those photos, possibly even spots of whose sweat dripped onto that parchment, would never believe that someone like me would ever see those words. I would be an abomination to that guy, we all would.

It's a bizarre combination of connection with these people and total alienation from their beliefs. Weird.

Anyway:

4Q169: 4QpNah (Nahum pesher)
http://www.preteristarchive.com/BibleStudies/DeadSeaScrolls/4Q169_pesher_nahum.html

"Kittim" As Romans
1:1-4

Where the lion went, a lion's cub to come there [with none to disturb] (Nahum 2:11)

[Its pesher refers to Deme]trius king of Greece who sought to enter Jerusalem on the counsel of the seekers-of-smooth-things. [And he did not enter, for God did not give Jerusalem] into the hand of the kings of Greece, from Antiochus until the appearance of the rulers of the Kittim. And afterwards the city shall be trampled …

"Ephraim" As Jerusalem
2:1-2

Woe to the city of blood, all full of [treachery and plunder] (Nahum 3:1)

Its pesher refers to the city of Ephraim, the seekers-of-smooth-things for the Afterwards of Days, who walk in treachery and deceit...

Is there a longer version of this one, or is that it?

Just looks like more of the same to me. The liar is at it again. A reference to the Romans coming after the Greeks. No Greeks from the time of Antiochus until the Romans show up.

How does that fit your time-line Jayson?

I don't have much more to say on this one, so I'll quote the bloke on the website:

"Also similar to what we witnessed in the Pesher on Habakkuk is the mention of the "congregation of traitors" who have strayed from the path under the influence of one who "spread lies." As in the Pesher, the group affected by the liar is designated as "the last generation," but also as Israel, whom the "scoffer" has led astray.

The description of this group as "seeking easy interpretations" - literally, "they inquired about smooth things" [dareshu bechalaqoth] - is significant, because this language appears frequently in another of the Pesharim, the Pesher on Nahum. For instance, column 2 of that work contains commentary on Nahum 3.1, which is cited first: "'Alas, the bloody city, all of it [treachery,] stuffed with loot!' Its interpretation: it is the city of Ephraim, those looking for easy interpretations [doreshey hachalaqoth] in the final days, since they walk in treachery and lies." (4Q169 fragments 3-4, 2.1-2) As in the Damascus Document the wicked are those seeking "smooth things" or "easy interpretations." Notice, also, that their behavior is also characterized as "walking in treachery and lies."

Just a few lines later, following another condemnation of those "looking for easy interpretations," we find a comment on Nahum 3.4, which is cited first: "'On account of the many fornications of the prostitute, full of elegance and mistress of enchantment, who misleads nations with her sorceries. [Its] interpretation concerns those who misdirect Ephraim, who with their fraudulent teaching and lying tongue and perfidious lip misdirect many." (4Q169 fragments 3-4, 2.7-8) Once again the notion of those who mislead others with lies surfaces." (source: MMT)

 

[Brainache]

Next is Zephaniah
http://www.thechristianidentityforum.net/downloads/Dead-Sea2.pdf
4Q170: 4QpZeph (Zephaniah pesher)

Frgs. 1–2
1. ‘the Lord [shall not do goo]d n[o]r shall He do bad.’ (1:12) [‘Their wealth] shall
become [pl]under and [their homes desolation’] (1:13)
. 2 [ ] ‘will not be able’ (1:18?) [ ]its interpretation[ ]

Um...

No soup for you!

 

[Brainache]

Next we shall be looking at Psalms. Please open your hymnals to:

4Q171 & 173: 4QpPs a-b (Psalms pesher)

Column 2 - "The Way" Terminology

1-4 "Renounce your anger and abandon your resentment, don't yearn to do evil, because evildoers will be wiped out" (37:8-9a).

This refers to all who return to the Law and do not hesitate to repent of their sin, because all who refuse to repent of their faults will be wiped out.

"But those who trust in the LORD are the ones who will inherit the earth" (37 9b).

This refers to the company of His chosen, those who do His will.


Column 2 - "Forty Years" from Teacher to Desolation

2:5-9 Yet a little while (Heb: me'at, mem-ayin-tet) and the wicked one will be no more. I will discern his place but he will not be there (Psalm 37:10).

"Its pesher refers to all wickedness at the end of 40 years (Heb:Mem = 40). They will be finished and no wicked man will be found on the earth."

"Then the meek will inherit the earth and enjoy all the abundance that peace brings" (37:11).

This refers to the company of the poor who endure the time of error but are delivered from all the snares of Belial. Afterwards they will enjoy all the [ . . . ] of the earth and grow fat on every human luxury.

Re the bolds: Is that 40 years another one of these "time to completion" things, rather than a literal 40 years? Because you just know I'm thinking 30 CE plus 40 years, equals 70 CE.

I have a funny feeling you are going to tell me that it is never that straightforward...

Column 2 - Vs "Temple Establishment" Position

The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes [his teeth against him. But the LO]RD laughs at him; for he knows his day is coming" (37:12-13).

13 This refers to the cruel Israelites in the house of Judah who
14 plot to destroy those who obey the Law who are in the society of the Yahad. But God will not leave them in their power.

"The wicked have drawn a sword, they have bent their bows, to strike down the poor and needy, to slaughter those who live honestly. May their sword pierce themselves, may their bows break!" (37:14-15).

This refers to the wicked of "Ephraim and Manasseh," who will try to do away ' with the Priest and the members of his party during the time of trial that is coming upon them. But God will save them from their power and afterwards hand them over to the wicked Gentiles for judgment.

All shall vanish like smoke (37:20c)

This refers to the wicked princes who oppressed His holy people, and who shall scatter like smoke that dissipates in the wind.

"The wicked borrow and do not repay; 9but the righteous give generously, for those whom God blesses will inherit the earth, but: those whom He curses will be exterminated" (37:21-22).

This refers to the company of the poor, w[ho will ge]t the possessions of all [ . . . ], who will inherit the lofty mount of Is[rael and] enjoy His holy mount. ["Those whom He curses] will be exterminated": these are the cruel Jews, the w]icked of Israel who will be exterminated and destroyed forever...

Now tell us what you really think, buddy. Crikey, they worked themselves up a bit in these things didn't they? It's Life Of Brian all over again. Splitters!

There are obvious things in there about the Temple Priests and Ebionim, but I'm trying to remember who Eisenman identifies as the wicked of "Ephraim and Manasseh".

I think I'll have to look it up and get back to you on who he thinks they are. People of a neighbouring country I suppose...

Column 3 - "Teacher of Righteousness" in present tense

["A man's path] is ordained by the LORD; he delights in all His ways. If he stu[mbles, he shall not] fall, because the L[ORD holds his hand"] (37:23-24).

This refers to the priest, the Teacher of R[ighteousness, whom] God [ch]ose to be His servant [and] ordained him to form Him a company [ . . . ] [his] way He smoothed for the truth.

["I have been young], and now I am old, but I have not [seen a righteous man] abandoned and his children begging food. [Al1 the time] he is lending generously, and his chil[dren are blessed"] (37:25-26).

[This] refers to the Teacher of [Righteousness . . . ]

Column 4 - Vs "Wicked Priest" (Perhaps Ananus)

"The wicked man observes the righteous man and seeks [to kill him. But the LO]RD [Will not leave him in his power and will not co]ndemn him when he comes to trial" (37:32-33).

This refers to the wicked [Pri]est who ob[serv]es the [Teach]er of Righteous[ness and seeks] to kill him [ . . . ] and the Law that he sent to him, but God will not le[ave him in his power] and will not [condemn him when] he comes to trial. But to the [wicked God will give] his just [de]serts, by putting him into the power of the cruel Gentiles to do with him [what they want].

["Look to the L]ORD and obey his rules; then He will honor you so that you will inherit the earth. You will look on] while the wicked are: exterminated" (37:34).

[This refers to . . . ] who will see judgement passed on the wicked with [the company of] His chosen they will rejoice in a sure heritage [forever].

Looks like the TOR was still alive at this point, but not for long and they are already planning to hand their enemies over to the "cruel Gentiles".

My heart is [astir] with a good message: [I address my poem to: the king"] (45:1a).

[This refers to . . . ho]ly spirit, for[ . . . ] books of [ . . . ]

At that point the signal is lost...

 

[Brainache]

I haven't actually seen this one before, the title looks interesting. I wonder if it's about flowers?:

4Q174: 4QFlor (the Florilegium)

Someone is going to have to help me out here, I can't find this one online.

there are articles and commentaries galore, but I can't seem to find a simple English translation.

I'll have to come back to this one later.

I bet it has all the good stuff on it too. That always happens.

ETA: Found a copy in a book online, but I can only copy bits at a time:
http://www.thechristianidentityforum.net/downloads/Dead-Sea2.pdf

Frgs. 1–2
Col. i
1. [ ] enemy [ ‘And] the son of wickedness [shall no more afflict] him as at first,
and as from the day that
2. [ I commanded judges] (to be) over my people Israel’ (2 Sam 7:10-11)—that is the
house which [ in] the end of days, as it is written in the book of
3. [ ‘The sanctuary, O Lord, which] thy hands have [es]tablished. Yahweh will rule
for ever and ever.’ (Exod 15:17-18) That is the house ‘where there shall never more
enter [ ]
and ‘the Ammonite and the Moabite’ and ‘bastard’ and ‘alien’ and sojourner
‘for ever,’ (Deut 23:2-3) for my holy ones are there.
...

So, they weren't too keen on foreigners these blokes, were they?

]

5. [ ]ever, he shall be seen continually upon it, and strangers shall not again make it
desolate as they desolated formerly
6. the sanc[tuary of I]srael because of their sin...

We let them in once before, and look what happened. Never again. Only Good Jews allowed from now on.

10. [‘And] Yahweh tells you that he will build a house for you, and I shall set up your
seed after you, and I shall establish his royal throne
11. [for eve]r. I shall be to him as a father, and he will be to me as a son.’ (2 Sam 7:11-
14) He is ‘the Shoot of David’ who will arise with the Interpreter of the Law, who,
12. [ ] in Zi[on in the 1]ast days; as it is written, ‘And I shall raise up the tabernacle of
David that is fallen.’ (Amos 9:11) That is ‘the tabernacle of
13. David that is fal[len’ is he] who will arise to save Israel...

That looks a bit familiar...

 

[Brainache]

It's getting late, but I'll see what I can find on this one:
http://www.thechristianidentityforum.net/downloads/Dead-Sea2.pdf
4Q177: 4QCatena a

Frg. 19

2. [ ]they [ ]

Frg. 25

2. [ ]to [ ]
Frg. 24

2. [ ]smelter[ ]
Frg. 23
1. [ ] seeking[ ]
Frg. 22

2. [ ] together
Frg. 21
1. [ ]the Lord with[ ]
Frg. 20
1. [ ]all[ ]
F

That was a bit of a let down. But, "smelter"? Really?

ETA: Oops:

Frgs. 1–4
1. [ ] to their words [ ]
2. [ ‘And Yahweh will take] from thee all sickness’ (Deut 7:15) [ ]
3. [ ] ‘let us be like the tr[ibes of the countries’ ]
4. [ ] thence [ ]
5. [ ] in the end of days, in the time when he shall seek [ ]
6. [ ] The interpretation of the passage is that there shall arise a man from [ ]from
him [ ]
7. [ and] they shall be like a fire to all the world; and they are those about whom it is
written in the end of [days ] wan[ton men have dealt] ruthlessly in the spirits of
[ ]
8. [ the 1]ot of light which was in mourning during the dominion of Bel[ial ]
which was in mourning [ ] by the number of names [ ]
9. [ ] to the heads of mourning return [ G]od of mercy, and to Israe[1
re]compense of the prophets of Judah [ ]
10. [ ] who [ Be]lial and they shall be exalted by them for ever, and he shall bless
them [ t]old that for ever he would bless them [ ] epochs be [ ful]filled [ ]

So Belial is the Devil and he has been in charge apparently, but the TOR is all about fixing it up.

Good one Teach.