G — Biblically Based Apocryphal Works

A Moses Apocryphonb (4Q376, 1Q29)

1This mid-first-century BCE text, which partly overlaps with 1Q29, is a reworking of Exod. xxviii, 9—12, dealing with the two engraved stones set in the shoulder pieces of the high priest's liturgical garment (the ephod). Another fragment introduces the secular head of the community, the 'Prince of the whole congregation' (cf. 1QM v,1; CD VII, 20, etc.) in his military role, confronting the enemies of Israel or attacking one of their towns. For the editio princeps, see John Strugnell, DJD, XIX, 121—36. Fr. 1 II they shall shed light on you. And he shall go out with it with tongues of fire. The left-hand stone on his left side will show itself to the eyes of all the assembly until the priest has completed his speech. And afterwards the ... has gone up ... And you shall keep and d[o al]1 [that] he shall speak to you. And the prophe[t] ... ... preaches rebellion ...

2III according to all this judgement. And if the Prince of the whole congregation shall be in the camp and ... his enemy and Israel is with him, or if they go against a city to besiege it or any matter which ... to the Prince ... the distant field ...