Qumran and Jerusalem: Studies in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the History of Judaism (Studies in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Related Literature) by Lawrence H. Schiffman

Author:Lawrence H. Schiffman [Schiffman, Lawrence H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-08-31T19:22:00+00:00

Restoration in Prayers and Hymns

As is to be expected, issues of restoration enter into the various prayers and liturgical compositions collected in the Qumran library and perhaps recited by the sectarians. This material includes prayers for the restoration of Jerusalem and the ingathering of the exiles at a time when Jerusalem and its temple actually stood and when the bulk of the Jewish people remained in the Holy Land. Clearly, the concern for destruction and the attendant need for restoration results not only from physical conditions, but also from religious dissatisfaction with the state of the nation and its religious life.

Restoration is called for in this spirit in 4Q5o4 (Words of the Luminaries)45 1-2 recto iv 2-4, which speaks of Jerusalem as God's chosen city. The passage continues to call for recognition of the centrality of Jerusalem by the nations and for its peaceful existence (1-2 iv 8-13). God is asked to grant his blessings and his visitation for good to save Israel from the persecution of the nations. Further on, God is asked to save Israel from all the nations of their exile, near or far, as has been promised in Scripture (4Q5o4 1-2 recto vi:12-14). God is even asked to bring his people back on the wings of eagles (frg. 6:6-8). The ingathering of the exiles also features in the Festival Prayers (4Q5o9 frg. 3:3-5)46 and also appears to be mentioned in 4Q528 (Hymnic or Sapiential Work B) 3.47

A variety of Qumran hymnic or poetic texts also deal with aspects of restoration. We cannot classify these as prayers because there is no evidence of liturgical recitation, despite the similarities in genre to the prayer texts. The Apostrophe to Zion (11QP5 22:1-1548 and 4QPs1 8 i-1649) speaks of a restored Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and economic and religious center for the nations. This is not only a restored Zion but an enlarged one. Zion is to be at peace and to fulfill the dreams of all the prophets.50 This beautiful hymn bases itself on the restorative visions of the biblical prophets and seems to be devoid of any apocalyptic or utopian elements. Yet it is closely related to the similar poem that appears in the War Scroll (1QM 12:12-14).

On the other hand, the land of Israel is to be more than restored, but perfected totally in 4QPsf 9.51 Evil is to disappear, but the earth and its fruits are to provide for all who fear the Lord, apparently in the end of days. 4QPsf io, an Apostrophe to Judah,52 refers also to the perfection of the land, the attendant joy for its inhabitants, and the elimination of evil. Some hints of a concept of restoration are also found in IQ27 = 4Q299 Mysteries'.53 The text looks forward to the elimination of evil from the world and the full revelation of righteousness. Then knowledge of God and his mysteries will fill the earth.

The eventual perfection and peace of the earth after the destruction of the wicked is the

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