RelSt 225 Class Minutes #15 (29 Oct 1996)
by Dan Cohn and Frank Catrickes

1)  Thousands of fragments which represent 800 or so works

-The scrolls are written/copied by many different writers
-Thus some scholars question whether the DSS could be the work 
  of one community (as in the "Essene hypothesis")
-Golb argues that they represent the general literature of 
  Judaism during the period
     
2)  Rule of the Community (p.9, Garcia Martinez)
     
-They breaking the night into "watches" to do observe the proper
   regulations of the community (6.7f)
-Self designation of community as "the Many" (6.8ff)
-What is "the book" that is read? Perhaps the bible or some portion 
   of it, but other possibilities present themselves as well

3)  Damascus Document (GM 41, column 10, lines 2ff)

-This portion concerns community judges
-The priestly representatives from "Levi and Aaron" are distinguished 
   from the more general "Israel" membership (10.5)
-The hitherto unknown Book of HAGY/HAGU is mentioned (10.6, 13.2, see 
   14.7) as an important source of instruction
     
4)  The notion of two "messiahs" appears in DSS literature

-One is portrayed as a priestly messiah and the other as a royal 
   and/or military messiah (CD 12.23f may be based on this hope)
-Elsewhere, ther is also mention of a dying messiah from the 
   Joseph line who dies in war (e.g. 4 Ezra 7)
-Compare also "the two anointed ones" (Zachariah 4)
-The word messiah used in literature has various connotations; there
   seems to be no single concept of messiah at this point
-The meaning of messiah (Hebrew) is literally "anointed"
-As usage developed, some people speak of "the Messiah" in the 
   singular as a technical term (in Greek, Messiah = Christos)
-The DSS sometimes refer to the kingly son of David and the priestly 
   son of Aaron/Levi

5)  Isaiah 53: the significance to Christians

-In Christian interpretation, the "suffering servant" of Isa 53 
   is thought to be Jesus
-Isa 53 refers to the death, burial, remembrance of the servant
-This passage may also be interpreted as a reference to the suffering
   community (e.g. Judaism) and not to a particular individual
-In DSS, "the Teacher of Righteousness" is depicted as persecuted 
   as are certain other "just" figures, but it is not clear that 
   Isa 53 is read in that connection.

6) The writings of Paul, who was Jewish, incorporated the idea of a
   righteous community as well as the anointed one (an individual) 
   at its head ("Joshua/Jesus the Messiah")

7) The expression "son of God" varies depending on its context such 
   as the Greco Roman world on one hand or the Semitic world on the 
   other.  Even the Emperor Augustus was called son of God, lord, 
   and savior.  Hence, the term "son of God" may not always 
   carry the same sense. 

8)  Copper Scroll/Plaque

-Vendel Jones, a modern semi-amateur archaeologist, has been involved
   in searching for its treasures -- he may have provided the model 
   for Indiana Jones of modern film fame
-The text of the copper plaque/scroll is difficult to decipher as well 
   as difficult to interpret -- very cryptic

9)  Damascus Document cols. 13-14 (p.43-44)

-Authority structures, subdivisions, casting lots
-High view of authority, determinism

10)  The Rule of the Congregation (1QS\a = GM 126)

-Includes the preparation of soldiers for eschatological warfare (1.21)
     
11)  Josephus, Jewish War 2.

-his writings describe "Essene" Jewish communities that have
   similar structure to what is found in DSS, and with the specific
   goal of preserving the revered "books" 

     
//end//