G — Biblically Based Apocryphal Works

Chapter 6

Premium narration

4Q370 is a rewritten account of the Noah story based on Genesis vi-ix; two fragmentary columns have survived, only the first of which is suitable for translation. Palaeographically, it is said to be late Hasmonaean, i.e. from the first half of the first century BCE, but the composition itself is pre-Qumran. Both the Tetragram and the divine name 'el are used. The badly damaged column switches from narrative to ethics and exhortation. Part of it can be reconstructed with the help of 4Q185. For the editio princeps of 4Q370, see Carol A. Newsom, DJD, XIX, 85-97. 4Q370 I And He crowned the mountains with produce and poured food on them, and he satisfied every soul with good fruit. 'Whoever does my will, let him eat and be satisfied', says the Lord. 'And let them bless my holy name. But, behold, they have done what is wicked in my eyes,' said the Lord. They rebelled against God through their actions, and the Lord judged them according to all their ways, and according to the thoughts of the inclination of their evil hearts. And He thundered at them in His power, and all the foundations of the earth trembled, and the waters burst forth from the abysses. All the windows of heaven opened, and all the abysses overflowed with mighty waters. And the windows of heaven emptied out rain and He destroyed them by the Flood.. Therefore everything perished on the dry land; and men, beasts, birds and winged creatures died. And the

giants did not escape.. And God made a sign.. and set His bow in the cloud that He might remember the covenant.. that there might no more be on earth waters of flood.. and that the mass of waters might not be let loose... their wickedness when they know between good and evil.. For behold, they sprout forth like grass, but a shadow are their days on the earth. And now pray hearken to me, my people; heed me, O you Simple for from everlasting to everlasting he will have mercy.. the might of the Lord. Remember the miracles which he did in Egypt and his marvels in the land of Ham. Let your heart shake because of fear of him, and your soul will rejoice according to his good graces..