Religion in the Dead Sea Scroll

Summary of Religion in the Dead Sea Scrolls

Edited by John J. Collins and Robert A. Kugler, Religion in the Dead Sea Scrolls is part of the Studies in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Related Literature series. The book presents a scholarly examination of religious themes in the Dead Sea Scrolls, exploring their theological, liturgical, and historical significance in Second Temple Judaism.

Key Themes and Structure

1. Theological and Religious Concepts in the Dead Sea Scrolls

• The Dead Sea Scrolls reflect a sectarian Jewish worldview, emphasizing divine sovereignty, covenant faithfulness, and eschatology (end-times expectations).
• The community believed in a dualistic struggle between good and evil, often personified by the “Prince of Light” and “Prince of Darkness” (Belial).

2. The Role of Angels, Divine Beings, and Monotheism

• John J. Collins discusses how the Scrolls present a complex angelology, where angels function as divine agents and intermediaries.
• The Qumran community’s beliefs include references to divine council traditions, where multiple heavenly beings serve under the authority of the one true God.
• The concept of Melchizedek as a divine figure and his role in eschatological judgment is analyzed.

3. Petitionary Prayer and Qumran Worship

• Eileen Schuller examines prayer practices at Qumran, showing their reliance on biblical psalms, hymns, and community liturgical texts.
• The sect’s prayers reflect determinism, the belief that human destiny is controlled by God’s divine plan.

4. Qumran and Hellenistic Influences

• Martin Hengel argues that Hellenistic culture influenced Qumran’s religious thought, particularly in apocalypticism, ethics, and scriptural interpretation.
• Timothy Lim explores multilingualism at Qumran, demonstrating how Greek and Aramaic texts influenced biblical interpretation.

5. Law, Sacrifice, and Halakha (Jewish Law)

• Hannah K. Harrington examines halakhic (Jewish legal) traditions, showing that the Qumran community had strict legal interpretations different from mainstream Jewish groups.
• Robert A. Kugler discusses sacrificial practices, exploring how Qumran’s theology viewed temple sacrifices and spiritual atonement.

6. Eschatology and Messianism

• James C. VanderKam analyzes apocalyptic traditions in the Scrolls, linking them to Enoch, Daniel, and early Christian eschatology.
• Craig A. Evans examines the role of the Messiah at Qumran, comparing Qumran’s expectations with early Christian beliefs.

Conclusion

This volume provides a scholarly yet accessible analysis of the religious worldview of the Qumran community, highlighting their apocalyptic beliefs, worship practices, and theological distinctiveness within Second Temple Judaism. It bridges the gap between biblical scholarship, Jewish history, and early Christian studies.