dssdead-sea-scrolls
B — Hymns and Poems
Part 3
Two apocryphal poems from Cave 4 close a fragmentary Psalms scroll. The first poem frames the final judgment as Jehovah's direct intervention: He comes to purge the wicked, restore the covenant land to fruitfulness, and vindicate the poor and God-fearing remnant. The second turns to Judah — commanding her to keep her feasts, pay her vows, and fortify her hand against the enemy, grounding that call in the eternal permanence of Jehovah Himself. Both poems read as liturgical covenant-renewal, anchored in the Moedim cycle and the promise that Belial's removal precedes the land's full restoration.
1
The last four columns of a fragmentary Psalms manuscript from Cave have preserved three apocryphal poems. The first of these is identical with 11Q5 already presented. Of the other two, the first focuses on the final judgement and the second is a hymn to Judah. For the editio princeps, see P. W. Skehan et al. DJD, XVI, 102-6.. 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 boundaries. And the earth shall give its fruit in its time and its product 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.. Then heaven and earth shall exult together. Let all the stars of the evening twilight exult. Rejoice, Judah, rejoice!
2
Rejoice, 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 ever. Thy glory shall be for ever and ever. Halleluiah.
