B — Hymns and Poems

Apocryphal Psalms (II) (4Q88)

1The last four columns (VII- x) of a fragmentary Psalms manuscript from Cave 4 have preserved three apocryphal poems. The first of these (cols. vii-viii) is identical with 11Q5 XXII already presented (pp. 311- 12). Of the other two, the first (col. ix) focuses on the final judgement and the second (col. x) is a hymn to Judah. For the editio princeps, see P. W. Skehan et al., DJD, XVI, 102-6. IX ... Congregation and they shall praise the name of the Lord, for He has come to judge every action, to remove the wicked from the earth [so that the sons] of iniquity shall not be found. The heavens [shall give] their dew and there shall be no... [within] their [boundarie]s. And the earth shall [give] its fruit in its time and its [prod]uct shall not fail. The fruit trees [shall] ... of its vineyards and its ... shall not lie. The poor shall eat and the God-fearers shall be sated. X ... Then heaven and earth shall exult together. Let all the stars of the evening twilight exult. Rejoice, Judah, rejoice!

2Rejoice, rejoice and be glad with gladness! Celebrate your feasts and pay your vows for there is no Belial in your midst. Raise your hand and fortify your right hand! Behold the enemy shall perish and all the workers of iniquity shall be dispersed. But Thou, O Lord, art for eve[r]. Thy glory shall be for eve[r and eve]r. [Ha]ll[eluiah].