4q400-shirotdead-sea-scrolls
Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice 1
The first Sabbath song opens with a call to praise directed at an assembled council of elohim — godlike beings who hold knowledge and understanding — who serve as priests of the inner sanctuary before the everlasting King. Jehovah has established a holy of holies among eternal holy ones, taught their tongues the language of blessing, and set chief priests of the inner sanctum to minister continually before Him. Seven priesthoods of the inner sanctuary, governed by seven chief princes, constitute the holy order of this heavenly court — a pattern directly consonant with the celestial council structure underlying the Holy Order of Priesthood on earth.
1
For the Master, the song of the burnt offering of the first sabbath — on the fourth day of the first month. Praise the God of the godlike beings, ye them which are exalted among all the gods of knowledge. Sanctify His name in His glory; for He is God of all the elohim of true knowledge, and Lord of all the spirits of understanding.
2
He hath established a holy of holies among the everlasting holy ones; that they might be unto Him priests of the inner sanctuary, even priests of the inner shrine. They are the ministers of the presence in the holy of holies, even of the everlasting King.
3
He hath taught their tongues knowledge; that they may bless the wonderful Lord of His holy ones, and may declare His glory in their tongues of knowledge. Their council is for them an eternal blessing; for them is everlasting praise.
4
He hath laid the firm foundation of His everlasting building. He hath set out the chief priests of the inner sanctum, that they might serve in the everlasting tabernacle, even continually before Him.
5
Of all the eternal princes are they; their place is in the holy of holies. They are the chiefs of the kingdoms of the holy ones, even the chiefs of the priestly kingdoms — even of the seven priesthoods of the inner sanctuary, of the seven chief princes.
