Lecture Notes on the Dead Sea Scrolls

Discovery and Origins

• Timeline: Discovered between 1946 and 1956.
• Location: Found in 11 caves near the Dead Sea, close to Qumran.
• Dates: Texts range from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD.
• Languages: Written in Hebrew and Aramaic.

Content of the Scrolls

• Biblical Texts: Includes texts from the Hebrew Bible.
• Non-Biblical Texts: Some texts relate to a group preparing for the end of days.
• Unique Storage: Texts stored in clay jars in caves.

Possible Authors

• Theories:
  • Essenes, a mysterious Jewish sect.
  • Exiled priests from Jerusalem's ancient temple.
  • Early followers of Jesus.

Recent Discoveries and Interpretations

• Fragment 4Q541:
  • May be the oldest reference to Jesus.
  • Written in Aramaic by early disciples.
  • Contains three key words: Yonah (Dove), Shachpa, Tzatzah.

Translation and Debate

• Initial Translation:
  • "Do not mourn for him. Know what the dove has asked of you. Do not strike it, and do not bring the cross and the nail close to it."
• Controversy:
  • Word "cross" is disputed.
  • "Tzatzah" interpreted as either "nail" or "hawk".

Linguistic Investigation

• Aramaic Language:
  • Still spoken in some communities in Galilee, Lebanon, and Syria.
  • Locals identify "tzatzah" as meaning "nail".

Scholarly Views

• Professor Emil Puesh:

  • Maintains initial translation despite criticisms.
  • Views "dove" as a metaphor for an agitator.

• Dr. Robert Deutsch:

  • Highlights four terms related to crucifixion: mourning, nail, dove, crucifixion.
  • Suggests a link to Jesus due to 1st-century AD dating.

Implications of Findings

• Potential Lost Gospel: Fragment may be from a lost gospel focusing on teachings rather than suffering.
• Reevaluation: Could change perspectives on the Dead Sea Scrolls as pivotal biblical archaeology.