dssdead-sea-scrolls
A — The Rules
Part 7
Fragments from 4Q491 preserve battle-order regulations that parallel but diverge from the War Scroll's main recension: strict purity standards govern who may march — any man unclean by nocturnal emission is excluded because holy angels stand within the formations — while rotating foot-soldier and cavalry units advance in succession, supported by ambush detachments triggered by trumpet signals. The chief Priest, his brethren the Levites, and the men of the order hold position throughout, blowing the trumpets continuously. Priestly vestments — linen tunic, breeches, embroidered girdle, turban — are worn in battle but explicitly barred from the sanctuary afterward, kept ritually separate from the holy precinct.
1
Formerly known as 4QTohorot D a, this fragment is one of three small scraps which have partly preserved the division of the Community into four lots or classes, already known from CD XIV, 5-6, viz. Priests, Levites, Israelites and Proselytes. For the editio princeps, see P. S. Alexander and G. Vermes, DJD, XXVI, 217-23.
2
.. The first lot belongs to the Priests, the sons of Aaron and the second lot to the Levites ranked in order each according to his spirit. And the third lot will belong to the children of Israel in order each according to his spirit. And the fourth lot will belong to the Proselytes..
