G — Biblically Based Apocryphal Works

An Admonition Associated with the Flood (4Q370, 4Q185)

14Q370 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 11 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 (4Q185) I [And] He crowned the mountains with pro[duce] 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 Lo]rd. '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 ac[tio]ns, 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 [tr]embled, [and the wa]ters burst forth from the abysses. All the windows of heaven opened, and all the abyss[es] 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

2g[iant]s 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 loo]se... II (combined with 4Q185) ... their wickedness when they know (how to distinguish) bet[ween good and evil... For behold], they sprout forth [like grass], but a shadow are their days o[n 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 mira[cles 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...